As a Senior Project Leader / Senior Associate – Health you will:
Design Philosophy & Leadership
* Execute Design Philosophy and Leadership expectation to a high level of proficiency, supporting the Associate Principal/Project Director on its successful project implementation.
* Clearly articulate and communicate design intent to project teams, consultants and clients.
* Demonstrate expertise in design parameters for specific sectors.
* Lead and facilitate design reviews, providing direction and constructive responses.
* Independently produce and oversee high quality schematic designs, design development packages and construction documentation.
* Coordinate the architectural design process, develop alternative solutions and presentation graphics to communicate concepts effectively.
* Demonstrate a solid understanding of national / international design precedents, applying best practice, innovation and considered design response.
* Lead early-stage project contributions through design brief development, site analysis and information gathering to support project direction and deliverables.
* Display strong sketching, diagramming, visualisation and verbal / visual presentation skills to support your involvement and contribution to project early stages.
* Review and interpret Design Reports from prior stages to gain insight into the cumulative project design narrative.
* Understand the hierarchy of current stage project Design Intent to determine a 'critical / nice to have / minimum level of design' appraisal of all elements.
* Propose creative and technically sound design solutions that capture / enhance the design intent of the project.
* Prepare for and contribute to internal and external design and documentation reviews, ensuring all design solutions enhance and maintain the project's design intent.
* Demonstrate an advanced understanding of materiality and material limitations being specified and drawn within project-specific contexts.
* Translate Design Intent into clearly defined project deliverables across all project phases.
* Demonstrate sound understanding of how theoretical architectural design translates into commercial architectural practice (understanding the 'Design Process').
Technical Delivery
* Develop comprehensive program requirements, conceptual layouts, and detailed design criteria for a range of building typologies.
* Translate client needs into functional technical spaces, determining space demand and capacity, and documenting outcomes from user group meetings.
* Execute technical delivery expectations to a high level of proficiency, supporting the Associate Principal/Project Director in its successful implementation on your projects, and supporting the relevant Associate Principal / Principal in sector-wide implementation.
* Take ownership of project requirements across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget and timeline.
* Develop, assign and coordinate relevant deliverables of a team, including coordination and integration of work from external consultants or disciplines.
* Proactively identify project risks and develop well-considered mitigation strategies for review by the Associate Principal/ Project Director.
* Understand and execute technical delivery to a high level of proficiency.
* Independently create high quality schematic, design development and construction documentation.
* Take ownership of assigned deliverables, using your knowledge and experience to deliver accurate and consistent outcomes.
* Possess sound fundamental knowledge of minimum project compliance requirements including DA, CC, BCA/NCC, DDA, ensuring documentation is aligned with codes and regulations.
* Demonstrate advanced attention to detail; review and quality check your work and that of junior team members before submission.
* Maintain proficiency in all frequently used software' including Revit, Rhino, MS Office, Adobe Suite.
* Maintain document control and ensure up to date documentation using HDR's systems and workflows.
Project Management
* Execute Project Management expectations to a high level of proficiency, supporting the Associate Principal/Project Director in its successful implementation on your projects, and supporting the relevant Associate Principal / Principal in sector-wide implementation.
* Monitor project resourcing and budgets using HDR systems and elevate issues or client directions that impact scope, schedule or fees to senior leadership.
* Plan, track and execute projects using HDR ABG project management templates and processes, ensuring alignment with studio standards and client expectations.
* Apply fundamental Project Management principles to support project delivery.
* Manage external requests (consultants, clients, contractors) by coordinating with Project Leaders and tracking potential scope changes via internal change control procedures on the HDR Variation Change Register.
* As Project Leader or working with a Project Leader, proactively work to understand and confirm weekly drawing, design and task deliverables.
* As Project Leader or working with a Project Leader, proactively work to understand and confirm the overall project program and any critical dates affecting your / the team's work.
* Accurately manage time tracking and resource allocation, ensuring tasks are delivered within project budgets and timelines.
* Support monthly project financial updates including contributing to the HDR Deliverables Planner, estimating hours to complete and helping establish accurate Project Financial Status (Earned Value & Project Progress).
Project Commercial Responsibility
* Execute commercial responsibility expectations to a high level of proficiency, supporting the Project Director in its successful implementation on your projects, and supporting the relevant Associate Principal / Principal in sector-wide implementation.
* Contribute to the development of project fees, programs and resourcing strategies, including the preparation and negotiation of variations.
* Deliver projects within agreed fee structures to consistently achieve target profit margins.
* Deliver work efficiently and autonomously, identifying areas for improvement and best practice.
* Demonstrate a developing understanding of Architectural Fee structures and the commercial rationale for operational efficiency.
* Contribute to fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all aspects of project delivery and design coordination.
Business Development
* Work with the Associate Principals/Principals to achieve sector marketing, business development and NFB goals in accordance with Business Development and Bid guidelines.
* Build and maintain strong industry relationships to support ongoing and future business opportunities.
* Manage client relationships with multiple large client groups, including dispute/ issue resolution where required.
* Act as a key client contact where required, representing the studio professionally.
* Present at key client interviews to assist Market Sector leaders in converting opportunities into successful project wins.
* Position HDR as a leading brand, synonymous with quality design outcomes through high-quality work, awards, and publicity.
* Actively engage in opportunities to broaden knowledge across multiple typologies through all project stages.
* Promote HDR positively to industry and colleagues.
* Demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of HDR's ABG core sector typologies in Australia.
* Support business development efforts by contributing to or leading proposals, presentations and design documentation that reflect HDR's design excellence and strategic value.
Culture & Growth
* Lead and implement studio wide initiatives that support both personal and professional development.
* Actively participate in studio leadership opportunities.
* Champion a culture of professionalism, team collaboration and accountability.
* Model positive and solution-oriented teamwork.
* Take initiative in seeking out appropriate pathways for professional and self-development.
* Actively engage with leadership and office management.
People Management & Leadership
* Lead and manage project teams, consultants, budgets and timelines to ensure successful project outcomes.
* Manage several projects / teams concurrently, including resource, budget, cashflow forecasting, programming and invoicing.
* Coach and mentor team members, providing guidance, sharing expertise and fostering a collaborative, high-performing project environment.
* Provide both formal and informal leadership within project teams, including organising workflows and delegating responsibilities effectively.
* Contribute to staff development by offering feedback for annual reviews and supporting performance management processes as needed.
* Collaborate with studio leadership on strategic initiatives, resource planning and team development to align with broader business goals.
* Recognise and elevate complex or sensitive issues to line management or HR as required.
* Communicate clearly and frequently with your colleagues, line manager and project teams.
* Communicate clearly and confidently with external stakeholders.
Desired Skills And Competencies
* Tertiary qualifications in Architecture
* Typically, 10+ years' experience with demonstrated knowledge in building design and documentation.
* Registered Architect.
* Experience managing and delivering multiple projects of varying complexity and scale.
* Excellent leadership, team management and client relationship skills.
* Excellent communication / interpersonal skills.
* Proficient across Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Bluebeam.
* 10+ years working knowledge of Revit.
* Strong problem solving and continuous improvement mindset.
* Collaborative, proactive and highly organised with good time management.
* Strong portfolio with a great eye for presentation and attention to detail.
* A keen interest in personal and professional development.
* Strong technical skills and proficiency with design software tools including Revit, Rhino and Adobe suite.
* Role model our HDR Values – Live the Network, Listen first, Hold ourselves accountable, Push Boundaries, Design Smart.
* An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.
Primary Location: Australia-QLD-Brisbane | Industry: Architecture | Schedule: Full-time | Employee Status: Regular | BusinessClass: Industrial Architecture | Job Posting: Jun 1, 2026
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
#J-18808-Ljbffr