05th May, 2026
Senior Project Leader
Your Role
Due to an increase in our industrial sector, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Project Leader to join our national practice. This is a senior role within the business, where you’ll lead the design and delivery of large-scale industrial projects from inception through to completion, championing design excellence and bringing a considered, intentional approach to every stage of work.
Working closely with our Associates and Senior Associates, you’ll guide design reviews at critical phases, push the creative boundaries of each project, and ensure our work consistently meets the high standard our clients expect. You’ll also lead and mentor project teams, including Architects, Project Leaders, Documentors, Graduates and Students, sharing your craft, role-modelling Watson Young’s values, and helping the next generation of architects develop their skills.
We are ideally looking for a full-time candidate, but we are open to flexible arrangements for the right person. Please share your preferences in your application.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead the design of industrial projects, facilitating design reviews at critical phases.
- Conduct document reviews to ensure internal QA standards are met before documents are issued.
- Manage the delivery of projects from inception to completion, including scope, timelines, resourcing and consultants.
- Identify and mitigate project risks and negotiate fee variations as required.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships and drive open dialogue with consultants and stakeholders.
- Lead and mentor project teams, including Architects, Project Leaders, Documentors, Graduates and Students.
- Support Directors, Senior Associates and Associates in identifying and developing new business opportunities.
- Lead project debriefs and learning sessions to capture and share learnings across the studio.
About You - Registered Architect with senior-level experience leading the design of complex projects from concept through to completion.
- Intuitive eye for considered design, with a passion for design excellence and pushing creative boundaries.
- Strong technical knowledge, including a sound understanding of the NCC and other applicable codes and standards, and contract administration experience.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor project teams, with a genuine interest in coaching and developing junior architects, documentors and graduates.
- Advanced stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including building trust with clients, leading presentations and negotiating outcomes.
- Commercial acumen and the ability to manage scope, timelines, resourcing and risk across multiple projects.
- Highly organised, proactive and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
- Self-reflective and open to feedback, with a growth mindset and a curiosity to learn more.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in Architecture, with current registration.
Our Company At Watson Young, communication and listening is where design starts. We approach our work with a good eye, and an even better ear, allowing us to create exceptionally designed projects.
With offices in Melbourne, Geelong, Perth, and Sydney, we work across a broad spectrum of disciplines including the Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Interior Design, Master planning, and Education sectors, among many others.
Our team’s passion for building strong and lasting relationships with a no fuss, honest approach has earned us many loyal clients and will continue to underpin the work we do in the future.
Our Values At Watson Young, our commitment to our people is absolute. Whether it’s our clients or our team, we actively listen and strive for creative excellence, all while establishing pride within our community and industry. We believe and live these values to drive our practice forward.
- Creative Listening: We lead by listening: Our practice is dedicated to maintaining a culture of creativity, inclusivity and collaboration amongst our team and clients. We are passionate about leading with questions to understand our clients, being receptive to new ideas, and designing with intent.
- Genuine Affect: We impact through design: We push the boundaries with purposeful innovation and the pursuit of excellence. We create conscious solutions that prioritise what matters to our clients. Our team are committed to positive change that goes beyond the built environment; it’s ingrained in our culture.
- Enduring Pride: We are proud of our legacy: We shape the future by creating meaningful experiences and designs that connect people and places. It begins with the relationships we develop within our practice, amongst our clients, and community, and it progresses into the spaces we transform. We strive to inspire and leave a lasting impact.
What is on Offer? - Supportive Team Environment: In an industry dominated by ego, we saw an opportunity to do something different. That’s why in 2004 we founded a human-centered architectural practice that placed strong client relationships at the centre of its ethos.
- Work-Life Balance: We recognise the importance of balance. Enjoy a workplace that respects your personal life and wellbeing, providing a healthy office environment and flexible work opportunities. We also create regular opportunities to connect through team lunches, end-of-month drinks and social events throughout the year.
- Ongoing Learning & Development: Personalised learning and development budgets for each employee, along with continuous support to help you reach your career goals.
- The Other Perks: No two days are ever the same at WYA, from Table Tennis Tournaments, Soccer competitions, End of Month Drinks, Play Days, Book Club and dogs in the office, there is a little bit for everyone.
How to Apply Ready to join our team? Click ‘APPLY’ and submit your resume and portfolio today!
Apply For Job