Associate Director

Urbis Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Urbis is an employer of choice for gender equality (EOCGE), recognised through the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). We are seeking an inspiring and forward-thinking Associate Director - Heritage to join our Perth-based team. This senior role is ideal for a heritage professional who is passionate about the progressive preservation and adaptive re-use of Australia\'s built heritage, and who thrives on delivering meaningful work that shapes communities and protects our shared history.

You will bring expertise in building conservation and statutory heritage planning, underpinned by a strong working knowledge of Western Australian and national heritage frameworks. Your understanding of heritage legislation, building fabric, and the principles of conservation philosophy will inform your strategic advice and practical solutions across a diverse portfolio of heritage places—from urban landmarks to regional and remote sites of cultural significance.

This is more than a job—it\'s a chance to lead projects that make a lasting impact, to shape best-practice heritage outcomes, and to champion a respectful, inclusive, and future-focused approach to heritage conservation in Western Australia.

• Provide informed, strategic, and practical leadership on a wide range of heritage matters, including:
• Heritage assessments and significance studies
• Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
• Heritage Impact Statements (HISs)
• Interpretation planning and storytelling
• Archival recording and analysis
• Architectural conservation supervision
• Expert witness services where required
  • Lead, mentor, and support junior and mid-level staff in the delivery of heritage reports and projects of the highest quality.
  • Prepare winning proposals, tenders, and submissions to secure new opportunities and strengthen client relationships.
  • Lead preparation historical and physical analysis of historic heritage sites, interpreting archival and contextual data to inform heritage reports and planning advice.
  • Oversee project lifecycles from inception through to completion, ensuring delivery is on time, on budget, and aligned with client expectations and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent the firm in professional forums, public engagements, and industry events, actively promoting our heritage capabilities and values.
  About You
  • Tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Heritage Conservation, or a closely related discipline.
  • 7+ years of professional experience in heritage advisory, planning, or conservation—preferably within a consultancy environment.
  • Advanced appreciation of Australian historical architecture, construction methods, and traditional building fabric.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality heritage assessments and reporting across a range of heritage-listed places.
  • Strong working knowledge of Western Australian and national heritage legislation, policies, and statutory planning processes.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing CMPs, HISs, and other technical reports to a high professional standard.
  • Comfortable working independently or as part of a team on complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
  • Committed to culturally respectful practice, including the recognition and protection of Aboriginal heritage and working collaboratively with Traditional Owners.
  Why Urbis?
  • Working in an environment that is inclusive, supports flexibility, and welcomes diversity. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer (recognised through EOCGE, WGEA and AWEI).
  • 18 weeks parental leave policy.
  • Working in a truly flexible workplace, while maintaining strong client support and engagement.
  • Active mentorship, development of career goals and support in achieving them.
  • Investment in ongoing training with all employees provided with an annual training budget.
  • Professional membership fees covered.
  • Opportunities to participate in industry events, breakfasts, lunches, presentations, B2Bs and industry working groups across the State and Nationally.
  • Working on city-shaping projects alongside the best in the industry, and across all sectors.
  • Regular and consistent feedback program as well as annual reviews.
  • Opportunity to work closely with Directors; monthly and annual awards for staff performance; opportunity to participate in our employee remuneration bonus scheme program.
  • Daily breakfast and fruit, monthly team lunches.
  Inclusion

At Urbis, we encourage everyone to be themselves and share their unique views which are shaped by their individual identity. We are proud of our ongoing recognition as a champion of workplace inclusion amongst our professional services peers. We encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities. If you need any accommodations, please inform your recruiting contact upon initial connection.

Are you ready to start your journey with some of the brightest minds in the industry and you are passionate about making a difference to our clients, community, and team? Click on "Apply for this job".

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