At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead urban design projects and mentor the next generation of design talent.
- Company: Join a top-rated firm known for its collaborative culture and innovative projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and great perks like private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while shaping the future of urban design in Manchester.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in Urban Design with a passion for sustainable communities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
We have an exceptional opportunity for an Associate Director Urban Design & Masterplanning to join our growing Manchester studio. This is a rare chance to shape the strategic direction of our studio in Manchester, 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 Manchester-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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester and nationally.
- Oversee high-profile projects in Manchester 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 Manchester 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 visualizations, 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 Manchester 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 were awarded the Stantec named 'Best place to work' and 'International consulting firm of the year' at NCE Awards at the 2024 NCE awards as well as being consistently recognised 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. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Building an inspired, inclusive work environment that attracts, supports, and develops world-class talent is a crucial key to our success. If you are excited by this role but worry that your experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply.
At Stantec we want you to perform your best at every stage of the recruitment process and are committed to ensuring it is accessible to all. If you need any support or require adjustments to be made then please contact [email protected] and we will talk to you about how we can support you.
Associate Director Urban Design Masterplanning in Manchester employer: Stantec
Stantec is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture in our Manchester studio, where creativity thrives and innovation is celebrated. With a strong commitment to employee growth through industry-leading training and development opportunities, competitive benefits, and a focus on sustainability, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on local communities while working on high-profile projects across the North of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Urban Design Masterplanning in Manchester
✨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 from Stantec or any other firm, have your portfolio ready to go. Highlight your best projects and explain how they align with the role of Associate Director Urban Design & Masterplanning. Visuals speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a project or initiative that excites you, reach out to the team at Stantec directly. Share your thoughts on how you could contribute to their vision. This shows initiative and genuine interest, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals in urban design. And don’t forget to ask questions that show you’re invested in their mission—this will make a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Urban Design Masterplanning in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:When submitting your portfolio, make sure to highlight projects that reflect your skills in urban design and masterplanning. We want to see your creativity and how you've tackled complex challenges in your previous work.
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 love seeing how your experience aligns with our vision for the Manchester studio.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written 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:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
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 your role in each project, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to the design and masterplanning process. This will show your depth of experience and passion for urban design.
✨Research the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Stantec's values and culture. Understand their approach to community engagement and sustainability. This will help you align your answers with what they value, demonstrating that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as leading a multi-disciplinary team or managing client relationships. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your leadership and problem-solving skills in urban design.
✨Showcase Your Vision for the Future
Be ready to discuss your ideas for the strategic direction of the Manchester studio. Share your thoughts on innovative design practices and how you envision contributing to high-profile projects. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset and commitment to excellence.
