Associate Principal | Planning & Design Market Lead - NSW

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

Arup is seeking an accomplished and visionary Planning and Design Market Leader to lead its NSW Cities, Planning & Design team, based in Sydney. This executive role is responsible for driving market growth, strategic positioning, and technical excellence across large-scale precinct and infrastructure projects in NSW. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in urban design, planning, and infrastructure delivery, with a proven track record of shaping city-scale outcomes and influencing industry direction.

The Opportunity

• Lead the growth and positioning of Arup’s Planning and Design disciplines in NSW by identifying, securing, and delivering complex, integrated urban and infrastructure projects. Represent Arup in industry forums, build trusted client relationships, and champion the firm’s values and strategic aspirations.
• Develop and execute a market strategy aligned with Arup’s goals, grow market share in urban design, and lead pursuits and bids for major city-shaping projects. Cultivate high-level relationships with clients, collaborators, and regulators to unlock new opportunities and deepen Arup’s influence in the NSW market.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable design outcomes by participating in project reviews, contributing to Arup’s Design Review process, and promoting best practices across the region. Provide strategic input into project scoping, delivery, and post-mortem evaluations.
• Build internal networks across disciplines and geographies, support talent development, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Work closely with Group Leaders and Service Leaders to align people strategies with market needs.
• Oversee commercial performance, manage legal and brand risks, and ensure successful project delivery. Source funding for market initiatives and contribute to operational planning, resourcing, and strategic investments.

Is this role right for you?

• Recognised tertiary qualifications in architecture, urban design, urban planning, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in consulting and delivery of large-scale precincts and infrastructure projects, particularly in NSW.
• Proven leadership in business development, client engagement, and strategic market positioning.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in contract negotiation, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Please see a list of Arup’s Australia benefits below:

• Hybrid working policy & flexible working hours
• Paid parental leave for the primary carer of 16 weeks or 32 weeks at half pay and as well as generous unpaid leave benefits.
• Paid parental leave for the non-primary carer of 4 weeks plus the opportunity to access extra paid and unpaid leave if you later become the primary carer.
• Birthday leave
• International mobility opportunities
• Insurances (life & income protection)
• Interest free solar energy and bicycle loans
• Novated car lease
• Ovasaver including discounts, vouchers, cashback, and exclusive offers on more than 300 retailers

Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.