Overview
Public Domain Design Lead (Architecture & Landscape) – Permanent, Full-time
Design the places people love and lead the teams that make them real.
* Work on city-shaping projects with real community impact
* Join a collaborative, values-driven leadership team where design excellence and public value matter
* Enjoy flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid work model, a 35-hour work week, and the option of a 9-day fortnight
Let's explore the job
We are seeking a Public Domain Design Lead to provide strategic and technical leadership across Council's capital works and major city-shaping projects. This role sits within our City Projects team and plays a critical part in translating strategic vision into high-quality, buildable public domain outcomes that enhance the way people experience our city.
In this key leadership role, you will lead and support two specialist team leaders—one overseeing Building Designers and the other Landscape Architects—providing direction, mentoring, and professional guidance to ensure design excellence across all disciplines. You will work across the full project lifecycle, guiding design quality, providing expert advice, and ensuring public domain projects are well-considered, functional, and deliver long-term value for the community.
Working closely with internal stakeholders, consultants, and senior leaders, you will balance design ambition with practical delivery, governance requirements, and strategic objectives to shape high-quality public spaces for current and future generations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage Council's Public Domain Design function, setting direction and design standards
* Provide expert technical advice across complex, multi-disciplinary projects
* Oversee the design governance, quality assurance, and delivery of public domain projects
* Guide, mentor, and develop a skilled team of design professionals
* Work closely with senior leaders, elected representatives, consultants, and the community
* Contribute to strategic planning, resourcing, and long-term capability building within the City Projects department
Read the position statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity.
Let's hear about you
You're an innovative and creative design leader with a flexible, solutions-focused approach and a passion for shaping high-quality public places. You thrive in collaborative environments and bring together planning, building architecture, and landscape architecture to deliver cohesive, well-resolved public domain outcomes. With strong design judgement and a practical mindset, you are comfortable balancing creative ambition with technical, regulatory, and delivery considerations. You enjoy mentoring and supporting design professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and design excellence, while working constructively with a wide range of stakeholders to translate vision into buildable, community-focused outcomes.
Qualifications
* Degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or other equivalent qualification suitable to the role. Eligible for admission as member to NSW Architects Registration Board or Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
* Extensive professional experience in architecture, landscape architecture or public domain design, including leadership of complex design programs and projects within a comparable organisational environment.
* Proven ability to lead committed teams of staff, fostering innovation and professional growth, ensuring appropriate planning and resourcing to deliver outcomes required of the role.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills in the provision of technical reports and advice, including ability to interact with a range of stakeholders.
* A record of achievement in managing Architecture or Landscape Architecture related programs and projects to deliver quality results in a timely and financially sound manner.
Let's reveal the perks
* Competitive salary from $127,635 to $148,333 per year + 12% superannuation
* Commencing salary set in line with skills and experience with annual reviews available to support movement through the salary range
* Annual Enterprise Agreement pay increases apply
* Be part of an organisation committed to design quality, sustainability, and place-making excellence
* Flexible workplace with focus on health and safety; opportunities for rich career experiences and ongoing development
* Generous discounted gym memberships and wellbeing initiatives, with confidential employee assistance program (EAP)
We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. We're passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you're joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.
Let's start
* Ready to lead the public domain? We would love to hear from you! Send your application in by midnight, Sunday 22 February 2026
* For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Adam Wakeman, Manager City Projects, on 4921 0553 or via email awakeman@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
* If you would like assistance submitting your application, or have any questions about the recruitment process please contact Georgina Green, Talent Attraction Partner, on 02 4921 0495 or via email ggreen@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
* Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you!
* To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.
* Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council's recruitment process, a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing may be required before an offer of employment.
Lake Macquarie City Council
126-138 Main Road, Speers Point, NSW 2284
Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310
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