At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead urban design projects and mentor the next generation of design talent.
- Company: Join a top-rated, innovative firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and great perks like private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team recognised as one of the best places to work.
- Why this job: Shape communities and make a real impact through visionary urban design.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in Urban Design and a passion for sustainable communities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We have an exceptional opportunity for a Director / Associate Director Urban Design & Masterplanning to join our growing Scottish studio. This is a rare chance to shape the strategic direction of our Scottish studio to influence high-profile projects across the North of England, and make a lasting impact on local communities. You will play a pivotal role in the leadership team, driving business growth, nurturing a culture of design excellence, and mentoring the next generation of urban design talent.
About The Team
Our Scottish-based, multi-disciplinary team brings together expertise in Urban Design, Town Planning, Architecture, Graphics, and Landscape. We operate in a vibrant, open-plan office that fosters creativity and collaboration, with breakout spaces and dedicated drawing areas that reflect the inclusive and innovative culture we uphold at Stantec. Our projects include complex residential-led and mixed-use masterplans, public realm interventions, regeneration schemes, new communities, urban extensions, and town and city centre planning across Scotland and the wider North West region. Our clients include landowners, promoters, residential developers, local authorities, and government agencies, often commissioning projects considered strategically important and technically challenging.
About The Role
- Shape the strategic vision for the Scottish studio, driving business growth and positioning the studio as a leader in urban design across the North of England.
- Lead business development by cultivating client relationships, identifying opportunities, and representing the studio at networking events and industry forums in Scotland and nationally.
- Oversee high-profile projects in Scotland and surrounding regions, from strategic frameworks for new settlements to detailed masterplans and urban extensions ranging from 500 to 15,000 homes.
- Inspire and mentor senior and junior staff, fostering innovation, collaboration, and professional growth across the Scottish studio and wider business.
- Develop visionary, place-led concepts that balance design ambition with technical feasibility, sustainability, and commercial viability.
- Ensure the highest quality of design outputs, including masterplan drawings, design strategies, 2D and 3D visualisations, and illustrative material.
- Lead and approve the production of Design and Access Statements, Vision Documents, and Design Codes, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with client objectives.
- Manage large multi-disciplinary project teams, coordinating with consultants, clients, and internal stakeholders.
- Promote Stantec’s expertise externally, contributing to thought leadership, publications, and high-profile industry panels.
- Champion community and stakeholder engagement, leading workshops, public consultations, and presentations to diverse audiences.
Your Impact
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Scottish studio, influencing both the design ethos and business performance.
- Bring extensive experience delivering large-scale UK masterplans, urban extensions, and complex development projects.
- Demonstrate exceptional consultancy experience, leading high-value projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Exhibit strong project and financial management skills, balancing design excellence with commercial realities.
- Confidently present to clients, public authorities, and internal stakeholders, articulating visionary concepts and design rationale.
- Advocate for design innovation, sustainability, and the creation of high-quality, liveable communities.
- Mentor senior staff, sharing expertise and developing the next generation of design leaders.
Qualifications
Hold a relevant qualification in Urban Design, ideally complemented by a Masterplanning qualification or experience, and demonstrate a genuine passion for creating high-quality, sustainable communities.
Why Join Us?
- Our People Culture: We're a close-knit team and very proud of our friendly and collaborative environment.
- Awards: Stantec was named ‘Best place to work’ and ‘International consulting firm of the year’ at the 2024 NCE Awards, and consistently recognized in the top 10 Corporate Knights most sustainable companies in the world.
- Great Benefits: Competitive salary, pension plan, holidays, free private medical insurance, discounted gym membership and lots more.
- Flexible / Hybrid working arrangements.
- Great Projects in all of our sectors across the UK&I.
- Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions.
About Stantec
The Stantec community unites more than 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across 6 continents. We have been working with our clients and communities in the UK for over 150 years. We plan, design, deliver and manage the development and infrastructure needed to support the creation of sustainable, healthy and prosperous communities.
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Director / Associate Director Urban Design & Masterplanning in Edinburgh employer: Stantec
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture within our Scottish studio, where creativity thrives in an open-plan environment. We are committed to employee growth through industry-leading training and development opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement. Join us to make a meaningful impact on high-profile projects while mentoring the next generation of urban design talent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director / Associate Director Urban Design & Masterplanning in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and forums where you can meet potential clients and colleagues. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and share your passion for urban design. Remember, it’s all about making connections that could lead to your next big opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to chat with someone in the industry, have your portfolio ready to go. Highlight your best projects and explain how they align with the vision of the studio you’re aiming to join. Visuals speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a project or initiative that excites you, reach out directly to the studio. Share your thoughts on how you could contribute to their goals. This shows initiative and genuine interest, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meeting someone or submitting your application, drop them a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. A little persistence can go a long way in keeping you top of mind!
We think you need these skills to ace Director / Associate Director Urban Design & Masterplanning in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Portfolio:Make sure to include a portfolio of your work when applying. This is your chance to shine and show us what you've got! Highlight projects that reflect your skills in urban design and masterplanning.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with our vision for the Scottish studio.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits into our friendly and collaborative culture, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stantec
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss every piece in your portfolio with confidence. Highlight the projects that showcase your leadership in urban design and masterplanning, as well as your ability to balance design ambition with technical feasibility.
✨Research the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Stantec's values and culture. Understand their commitment to sustainability and community engagement, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific challenges in urban design and masterplanning. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully led projects or mentored others, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Since business development is key for this role, be prepared to discuss how you've cultivated client relationships in the past. Share examples of networking events you've attended and how you've represented your previous employers, demonstrating your ability to drive business growth.
