Design Manager

The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as we grow and transform into a Global City. The intensity of growth and investment in City of Parramatta means that Council, their partners, and community have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City's future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. 

About the role 

The City Planning and Design Directorate is leading planning and design for the development of our city as we transform into a Global City.  With a near doubling of our population over the next 20 years, an exciting focus of our work is the transformation of the Parramatta City Centre into an iconic metropolis set within a contemporary public realm, inclusive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant.

This position is responsible for the design phases of public domain projects with complex urban design, transport and environmental challenges. The design manager is also  responsible for the preparation of specialist landscape architecture and public domain design  review and advice to inform state infrastructure projects when required.
  

On a daily basis you will: 

• Manage design led processes that are consultative and technically rigorous to create inspiring community infrastructure of enduring value.
• Align project delivery with Council's strategic goals across urban design, transport, land use, economic development, and environmental and social outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with City policies on design, sustainability, heritage, accessibility, materials, and maintenance.
• Manage consultants and contractors to achieve technical rigor, design excellence, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct design reviews and advocate for City standards, ensuring documentation is thorough, coordinated, and high-quality.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to develop project briefs and design solutions that meet client and Council objectives

What's on offer

Full Time Term Contract Opportunity up to June 2027

We are offering an attractive remuneration from $113,019 - $124,433 plus 12% superannuation.
 

In addition, City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include: 

• A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, including 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.) 

About You 

You will bring previous experience in managing design for complex urban landscape or public domain projects in the public or private sectors. You have a proven track record of successfully achieving objectives.  

You will also bring: 

• Proven understanding of public space design, function and performance, that integrates community, heritage, active transport, and environmental considerations.
• Strong project management skills across both design and delivery phases.
• Effective client and stakeholder management, supported by excellent communication.
• Practical knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Degree level qualifications in landscape architecture, architecture, or a related discipline.

Want to know more? 

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description. 

 Alternatively for a confidential discussion please contact Adam Fowler on or email  

Review our Values Flyer which outlines Council's core values and behaviours. 

How to apply 

Candidates MUST apply online and attach a Cover Letter addressing how their experience & skills meet the requirements of this role, and a current CV.

Applications close 9pm, Friday 31 October 2025 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.  

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result. 

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups.  We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.