Senior Associate / Associate Principal

Senior Associate / Associate Principal – Defence

- (193414)

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for; it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you licence to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

Our workplace is collaborative and diverse, built on a history of controlling our own destiny, putting people first and offering careers that provide for a secure future. At HDR, you are part of a team, surrounded by talent that brings out your best.

Key Accountabilities

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 escalate 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, 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 escalate 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.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Our Commitment

HDR is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified and/or experienced candidates, regardless of gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or religious and political beliefs. This includes encouragement for veterans.

HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.

Primary Location

Australia-NSW-Sydney

Other Locations

Australia-QLD-Brisbane, Australia-VIC-Melbourne

Industry

Architecture

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

Architecture-Federal

Job Posting

Jun 1, 2026