Job Description
Full job description
The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as we grow and transform into a Global City. The intensity of growth and investment in City of Parramatta means that Council, their partners, and community have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City’s future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
Transform the Future of Urban Design with Us!
Are you passionate about shaping vibrant, sustainable cities? Do you thrive on leading and inspiring a talented team to deliver innovative design solutions? We’re seeking a visionary Team Leader - Strategic Design to drive the City Design Unit's strategic urban design initiatives. In this dynamic role, you will guide a team dedicated to crafting city-shaping policies and frameworks, setting the stage for exceptional design quality and better urban places. If you’re an experienced leader with a knack for integrating design with strategic and urban planning priorities, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of our city.
About the Role
Manage and motivate a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture that encourages innovation.
Oversee the preparation and coordination of strategic urban design policies, guidelines, and frameworks, in particular through the urban planning process, to set the direction for design quality across the city.
Promote and implement integrated design strategies that incorporate land use, economic, social and environmental priorities, ensuring cohesive and forward-thinking urban solutions.
Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including planning teams, Councillors and community groups, to advocate for effective design outcomes and integration.
Handle complex, multi-disciplinary projects and ensure alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.
Provide independent, high-level strategic and specialised architectural, urban design and public domain advice to achieve Council’s vision and strategic outcomes for projects and to improve design outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement in design practices and technology, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practices.
Manage research and analysis of design trends with synergies to planning, economic, environmental and social trends to inform projects and programs of work.
About You
To excel in this role, you will bring:
Experience and Expertise : 10+ years in urban design and policy development within complex environments, with a proven track record of achieving strategic objectives.
Leadership Skills : 5+ years of experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on high performance and service delivery.
Qualifications : tertiary qualifications in design, architecture and public domain.
Deep understanding of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management abilities, including negotiation and facilitation.
Comprehensive understanding of the NSW planning framework and an energy for teamwork and positive collaboration.
Exceptional analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to innovate and address complex issues.
Excellent planning and time management capabilities, with experience in managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
A dedication to promoting design quality, diversity, and inclusion in all practices, with a focus on customer service and ethical standards.
What’s on offer
We are offering an attractive remuneration from $142,245 to $156,61+ plus 11.5% superannuation.
In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:
A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements, including 3 days in the office and 2 from home.
14 weeks paid parental leave
Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
Learning and development opportunities
Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)
Want to know more?
Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.
How to apply
Candidates must apply online by uploading a resume and brief cover letter.
Applications close 4pm, 4th September 2026 and will not be accepted through any other medium.
The successful candidate is required to be vaccinated (at least 2 doses of a TGA approved COVID-1+ vaccine) in accordance with Council's vaccination policy. Candidates may submit a medical contraindication for Council's consideration.
This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.
The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment, and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.
Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.
Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as we grow and transform into a Global City. The intensity of growth and investment in City of Parramatta means that Council, their partners, and community have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City’s future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.
Transform the Future of Urban Design with Us!
Are you passionate about shaping vibrant, sustainable cities? Do you thrive on leading and inspiring a talented team to deliver innovative design solutions? We’re seeking a visionary Team Leader - Strategic Design to drive the City Design Unit's strategic urban design initiatives. In this dynamic role, you will guide a team dedicated to crafting city-shaping policies and frameworks, setting the stage for exceptional design quality and better urban places. If you’re an experienced leader with a knack for integrating design with strategic and urban planning priorities, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of our city.
About the Role
Manage and motivate a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture that encourages innovation.
Oversee the preparation and coordination of strategic urban design policies, guidelines, and frameworks, in particular through the urban planning process, to set the direction for design quality across the city.
Promote and implement integrated design strategies that incorporate land use, economic, social and environmental priorities, ensuring cohesive and forward-thinking urban solutions.
Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including planning teams, Councillors and community groups, to advocate for effective design outcomes and integration.
Handle complex, multi-disciplinary projects and ensure alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.
Provide independent, high-level strategic and specialised architectural, urban design and public domain advice to achieve Council’s vision and strategic outcomes for projects and to improve design outcomes.
Drive continuous improvement in design practices and technology, ensuring compliance with current legislation and best practices.
Manage research and analysis of design trends with synergies to planning, economic, environmental and social trends to inform projects and programs of work.
About You
To excel in this role, you will bring:
Experience and Expertise : 10+ years in urban design and policy development within complex environments, with a proven track record of achieving strategic objectives.
Leadership Skills : 5+ years of experience leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on high performance and service delivery.
Qualifications : tertiary qualifications in design, architecture and public domain.
Deep understanding of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively.
Exceptional communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management abilities, including negotiation and facilitation.
Comprehensive understanding of the NSW planning framework and an energy for teamwork and positive collaboration.
Exceptional analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to innovate and address complex issues.
Excellent planning and time management capabilities, with experience in managing competing priorities and tight deadlines.
A dedication to promoting design quality, diversity, and inclusion in all practices, with a focus on customer service and ethical standards.
What’s on offer
We are offering an attractive remuneration from $142,245 to $156,61+ plus 11.5% superannuation.
In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:
A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements, including 3 days in the office and 2 from home.
14 weeks paid parental leave
Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
Learning and development opportunities
Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)
Want to know more?
Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.
How to apply
Candidates must apply online by uploading a resume and brief cover letter.
Applications close 4pm, 4th September 2026 and will not be accepted through any other medium.
The successful candidate is required to be vaccinated (at least 2 doses of a TGA approved COVID-1+ vaccine) in accordance with Council's vaccination policy. Candidates may submit a medical contraindication for Council's consideration.
This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.
The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment, and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.
Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.
Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Team Leader Strategic Design position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Parramatta offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
