Overview
Public Domain Design Lead (Architecture & Landscape) – Permanent, Full-time
Location: Speers Point, New South Wales
Design the places people love and lead the teams that make them real.
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
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.
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 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.
Perks & Benefits
* 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 a focus on health and safety; opportunities for professional development and long-term career growth
* Generous discounted gym memberships, wellbeing initiatives, and access to an employee assistance program
* Click to view more perks on offer
About Lake Macquarie City Council
We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. We're committed to a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive workforce. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally diverse communities, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees, and people with disabilities. We value veterans and their contributions.
Start & How to Apply
* Ready to lead the public domain? Submit your application by midnight, Sunday 22 February 2026.
* For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Adam Wakeman, Manager City Projects, at 4921 0553 or via email awakeman@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
* For application assistance or questions about the recruitment process, contact Georgina Green, Talent Attraction Partner, at 02 4921 0495 or via email ggreen@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
* Your application will require a resume and responses to criteria listed in the Position Statement.
* Prior to an offer of employment, recommended candidates may undergo a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.
Apply for this role at the Lake Macquarie City Council site.
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