Lead Urban Planner & Architect

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave

Challenging, rewarding role in Benoni

Access to industry network

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Urban Planner and Architect in Benoni, Gauteng, to drive strategic planning and design initiatives for major urban developments. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, shape master plans, urban regeneration strategies, and architectural frameworks while ensuring sustainability, resilience, and inclusive communities.

The role requires a strong blend of planning theory, design principles, and policy implementation, with a proven track record in complex projects in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in urban planning, urban design, and/or architectural practice with a focus on strategic planning and policy development.
• Professional registration with SAIA or a relevant body.
• Proven track record leading complex urban planning and development projects.
• Strong understanding of South African planning legislation, policies, and development processes.
• Experience with GIS, CAD, urban modeling software, and related planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of urban master plans and strategic development frameworks.
• Integrate architectural design considerations into urban planning processes.
• Conduct spatial, socio-economic, and environmental analyses.
• Collaborate with government agencies, developers, communities, and design professionals.
• Develop urban design guidelines, policies, and development control guidelines.
• Manage project teams and consultants in urban planning and architectural design.
• Present planning applications, design proposals, and policy recommendations to authorities and the public.
• Ensure designs align with sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.
• Oversee design and planning of public spaces, infrastructure, and mixed-use developments.
• Stay updated on global best practices in urban planning, design, and governance.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Urban Planning/Urban Design/Architecture

Tools

GIS

CAD

Urban modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent urban development consultancy, is seeking an experienced Lead Urban Planner and Architect to drive strategic planning and design initiatives within Benoni, Gauteng . This senior role involves shaping the future development of urban areas, focusing on creating sustainable, vibrant, and integrated communities. You will lead multidisciplinary teams in the development of master plans, urban regeneration strategies, and architectural frameworks for significant projects. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of expertise in urban planning theory, architectural design principles, and policy implementation. This is a critical position offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact on urban environments in Benoni and contribute to sustainable urbanism. Join a dynamic firm dedicated to innovative urban solutions and community well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of urban master plans and strategic development frameworks.
• Integrate architectural design considerations into urban planning processes to ensure cohesive and functional environments.
• Conduct comprehensive urban analyses, including spatial, socio-economic, and environmental assessments.
• Collaborate with government agencies, developers, community stakeholders, and design professionals.
• Develop urban design guidelines, policies, and development control guidelines.
• Manage project teams and consultants engaged in urban planning and architectural design.
• Prepare and present planning applications, design proposals, and policy recommendations to authorities and the public.
• Ensure designs and plans align with principles of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.
• Oversee the design and planning of public spaces, infrastructure, and mixed-use developments.
• Stay abreast of global best practices in urban planning, design, and governance.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in urban planning, urban design, and/or architectural practice, with a focus on strategic planning and policy development.
• Professional registration with a relevant body (e.g., SAIA, South African Council for Planners).
• Proven track record in leading complex urban planning and development projects.
• Strong understanding of South African planning legislation, policies, and development processes.
• Expertise in GIS, CAD, urban modeling software, and related planning tools.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience in the Gauteng region, particularly the urban context of Benoni , is highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• A competitive salary commensurate with the seniority and scope of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for significant professional development and leadership training.
• Generous leave allowance.
• A challenging and rewarding role impacting urban development in Benoni .
• Access to a network of industry professionals and resources.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.