Associate Principal

About Woods Bagot – Architecture for Worlds Ahead

We design places that meet the challenges and opportunities of our rapidly changing world. Our commitment to exploration, impact and community creates enduring, forward‑thinking outcomes, unlocking humanity's highest potential. With a global design culture devoted to creativity, resilience, and purpose – we ensure every project contributes to our client's vision, inspiring future generations.

Woods Bagot is part of the 7C Total Place Design Network: A wholly owned network of leading place brands including ERA-co, Impact Futures, Woods Bagot, and Customs Bureau.

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Principal - Major Projects Leader to help shape Woods Bagot's continued growth across priority sectors. Based in Brisbane, this position will focus on cultivating and strengthening client relationships, securing new opportunities, and delivering major projects.

Reporting to the Studio Chair and working in close collaboration with our regional and global teams, this role will champion Woods Bagot's position as a trusted industry leader. This is both a strategic and hands-on role, requiring proven expertise leading the successful design and delivery of large-scale, complex projects.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Design and Delivery:

• Manage the effective design and delivery of projects, ensuring they are on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Work seamlessly across sectors and disciplines, bringing adaptability and breadth of expertise.
• Oversee fee management, contract compliance, and commercial performance.
• Provide foresight in risk management, advising leadership on potential issues or claims.

Client Engagement and Business Development:

• Partner with local leadership and regional teams to identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships, ensuring engagement and trust are sustained throughout the entire project lifecycle and beyond.
• Drive work-winning activities, including bids, proposals, and presentations, to position Woods Bagot competitively in the market.

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Provide hands-on leadership, fostering collaboration, innovation, and high standards of practice.
• Mentor and support project and studio staff, promoting professional development and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee team resourcing and performance, ensuring effective project delivery and a positive, supportive studio culture.

About You

We are seeking a stand-out Associate Principal with a proven record of leading and delivering large-scale projects above $500 million in value. You are a confident, hands-on leader with excellent mentoring skills, strong client-facing experience, and the ability to present effectively during interviews and bids. Your experience spans extensive D&C client and contractor management, underpinned by a deep capability in both design and documentation. You thrive in a collaborative, creative environment and bring specialised expertise in the design and construction of complex, high-profile architectural projects.

You will be able to Demonstrate:

• 18+ years relevant experience
• Master's Degree in Architecture
• Diverse project background
• Ability to mentor project leaders
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, aligned with Woods Bagot's culture and values

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume and portfolio link via the LinkedIn job advertisement. Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or names from agencies. All personal data collected by the firm will be kept confidential and only used for recruitment purposes.

Mandatory requirement: It is an essential requirement that at the time of applying for this position applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia (an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident).

Inspiration. Innovation. Inclusiveness. We are Woods Bagot.

Woods Bagot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

At Woods Bagot, we are committed to creating an environment where difference is celebrated, valued and respected, practices are equitable, and our people feel like they belong. We accept that none of us is smarter than all of us. We believe building a diverse workforce is the foundation to creativity and innovative design – it is only by working together that we can realise the potential of our people, clients and communities around us. Through our inclusive leadership and our truly global studio network of strategists, experience designers and scientists, you will find your voice and have the support and flexibility required to bring your whole self to work and build an exceptional career.