Team Leader / Senior Architect in Melbourne

Team Leader / Senior Architect - Design and Planning (Registered Architect)

West Urban Group is one of Victoria's leading residential builders, delivering Multi-Unit Developments, Medium Density Projects, High-End Residential Projects, and bespoke luxury homes through our Clinton Grand brand.

With more than a decade of industry experience, we partner with developers, homeowners, consultants and industry professionals to deliver projects that combine thoughtful design, construction excellence and outstanding client outcomes.

Our expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility and design through to planning, construction, project management and handover.

Supported by established systems, strong supplier networks and a highly experienced team, we continue to deliver projects that set the benchmark for quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Team Leader / Senior Architect - Design & Planning to lead the design and town planning function across both West Urban Construction and Clinton Grand.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Architect to influence projects from inception through to planning approval, lead a multidisciplinary design team, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of two growing residential brands.

Company Profile

West Urban Group is one of Victoria's leading residential builders, delivering Multi-Unit Developments, Medium Density Projects, High-End Residential Projects, and bespoke luxury homes through our Clinton Grand brand.

With more than a decade of industry experience, we partner with developers, homeowners, consultants and industry professionals to deliver projects that combine thoughtful design, construction excellence and outstanding client outcomes.

Our expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility and design through to planning, construction, project management and handover.

Supported by established systems, strong supplier networks and a highly experienced team, we continue to deliver projects that set the benchmark for quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Team Leader / Senior Architect - Design & Planning to lead the design and town planning function across both West Urban Construction and Clinton Grand.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Architect to influence projects from inception through to planning approval, lead a multidisciplinary design team, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of two growing residential brands.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, you will lead the design and town planning function across both West Urban Construction and Clinton Grand.

You will be responsible for guiding projects from feasibility and client brief through concept design, developed design and town planning approval, before handing projects to the Construction Documentation team as fully resolved, permit-endorsed and commercially aligned developments.

As the design authority across both brands, you will drive architectural excellence, planning outcomes, commercial performance and stakeholder engagement, while mentoring and developing both onshore and offshore design resources.

This role offers significant influence across project delivery, product development, business improvement initiatives and the ongoing growth of both brands.

• WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
• Design Leadership
• Lead architectural design across Clinton Grand and West Urban Construction projects from concept through to developed design.
• Transform client briefs and feasibility requirements into practical, commercially viable and architecturally impressive outcomes.
• Present concepts and developed designs to clients, developers and senior management.
• Establish and maintain design intent throughout project delivery.
• Drive innovation, design excellence and continuous improvement across the design function.
• Support marketing initiatives, display home development and award submissions.
• Town Planning
• Lead all town planning activities for Medium Density and Multi-Unit developments.
• Conduct feasibility assessments, site analysis and planning reviews.
• Prepare and coordinate planning permit submissions.
• Liaise with councils, consultants, referral authorities and VCAT where required.
• Manage Requests for Further Information (RFIs), permit amendments and planning conditions.
• Maintain the town planning register across all active developments.
• Ensure planning pathways are identified and managed efficiently to minimise project risk and delay.
• Cost-Effective Product Development
• Develop cost-effective and buildable housing products that align with West Urban's construction methodology.
• Assist with feasibility studies and Opinions of Probable Cost.
• Work collaboratively with estimating and procurement teams to optimise design outcomes.
• Identify and implement design efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Project Design Management
• Manage design programs and milestone delivery across multiple projects.
• Act as the key point of contact for clients and developers on all design matters.
• Coordinate consultants throughout the design and planning process.
• Deliver complete developed design handover packages to the Construction Documentation team.
• Provide timely responses to design queries raised during documentation and construction.
• Team Leadership
• Lead, mentor and develop architects, designers, graduates and planning support staff.
• Provide leadership and coordination of offshore design and documentation resources.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching and development activities.
• Manage workloads, utilisation and resource planning.
• Promote accountability, teamwork and high performance across the department.
• Compliance & Continuous Improvement
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant Victorian Planning Schemes, Res Code requirements, NCC and Australian Standards.
• Support and maintain the Business Management System (BMS).
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies, procedures and quality initiatives.
• Escalate significant design, planning or compliance risks where appropriate.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role, you will bring

• Bachelor or Master of Architecture.
• Current registration as an Architect with the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
• Minimum 8 years' experience in residential architecture.
• Strong experience delivering luxury homes, Medium Density and Multi-Unit residential developments within Victoria.
• Demonstrated success managing town planning applications and approvals.
• Extensive knowledge of Victorian Planning Schemes, Res Code, Clause 55, Clause 58 and the National Construction Code.
• Strong commercial awareness within a design-and-construct environment.
• Advanced Revit capabilities.
• Proven leadership experience managing design teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

In addition, you will be a proactive and commercially minded leader who enjoys balancing design excellence with practical project outcomes.

You will be equally comfortable presenting concepts to clients, navigating planning challenges and leading a high-performing team.

WHY JOIN WESTURBAN GROUP?

Influence Major Projects

Shape a diverse portfolio of luxury residential, medium-density and multi-unit developments from feasibility through to planning approval.

Leadership Opportunity

Take ownership of a critical business function and play an instrumental role in mentoring and developing the design team.

Diverse Project Portfolio

Enjoy exposure to bespoke luxury homes through Clinton Grand, alongside larger residential developments delivered by West Urban Construction.

Career Growth

Join a growing organisation where your expertise, ideas and leadership will directly contribute to future business success.

Stability & Support

Benefit from established systems, experienced leadership and the resources of a successful Victorian builder.

Collaborative Culture

Work within a diverse, innovative and highly supportive team committed to excellence in design and construction.

LOCATION

This is a full-time, office-based position located in Mount Waverley, Victoria.

Given the collaborative nature of the role and regular interaction with clients, consultants and internal stakeholders, the successful candidate will be expected to work from the office five days per week.

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