Associate Urban Designer - Urban Design Job in Manchester - £55,000 - £70,000

Lead urban regeneration projects, shape masterplans, and support team growth within a collaborative design studio

Job Summary

Associate Urban Designer Job Manchester. This role focuses on leading urban regeneration and masterplanning projects across the UK. You will work within the urban design sector on complex town centre and mixed use developments. The position supports delivery of large scale regeneration schemes and strategic masterplans. You will manage projects from concept through to planning stages within the UK planning system.

The role responds to increased workload following major project wins. You will provide leadership across design teams and mentor junior staff members. This opportunity offers hybrid working with a minimum of three studio days weekly. The position suits a designer with strong UK regeneration experience and leadership capability. Associate Urban Designer Job Manchester offers involvement in high profile projects shaping towns and cities.

About the Company

This established practice operates across the UK delivering landscape led urban design and masterplanning projects. The organisation focuses on regeneration, infrastructure, and place shaping within varied development contexts. Teams work collaboratively across disciplines to deliver integrated design solutions.

The studio environment supports creativity, technical excellence, and professional development. The business operates an employee ownership model that promotes shared success and accountability. Projects range from town centre regeneration to strategic urban extensions. The organisation values long term partnerships and sustainable design outcomes. Hunter Dunning supports recruitment for this opportunity through its specialist property consultancy services.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead urban design and masterplanning projects from early concept through to planning submission stages
• Manage project programmes, ensuring delivery aligns with client objectives and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to achieve cohesive and high quality design outcomes
• Develop creative design proposals that respond to urban regeneration and placemaking principles
• Engage directly with clients, stakeholders, and consultants to maintain strong working relationships
• Support business development activities through input into bids and project proposals
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to their professional development within the studio
• Produce high quality design outputs using industry standard software and visual communication tools

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum five years experience working on UK based urban design and regeneration projects
• Strong background in town centre masterplanning and mixed use development within planning frameworks
• Proven experience leading projects from inception through to delivery stages
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modelling software for design development
• Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to clients and stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Relevant qualification in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, or spatial planning
• Demonstrated understanding of UK planning policy and urban regeneration processes

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range of £55,000 to £70,000 depending on experience and capability
• Hybrid working model with flexibility and structured studio collaboration each week
• Profit share scheme through employee ownership model rewarding collective performance
• Private health insurance offering access to medical support and wellbeing programmes
• Enhanced pension contributions above standard auto enrolment requirements
• Generous annual leave allowance with additional options for sabbatical planning
• Supportive benefits including cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan options

Who Is This Role Ideal For?

This role suits an experienced urban designer seeking greater responsibility within regeneration focused projects. You will enjoy leading design teams and managing complex masterplanning schemes. The position fits candidates who value collaboration and mentorship within a growing studio environment.

You should be confident engaging with clients and contributing to business development activities. This opportunity suits professionals aiming to influence urban design outcomes across major UK projects. It also appeals to individuals seeking a balanced hybrid working model. Candidates with a proactive mindset and strong design capability will perform well here.

About Hunter Dunning

Hunter Dunning is a specialist property and built environment recruitment consultancy established in 2004, focused on quality and long-term partnerships in the UK and Ireland property and construction market.

We specialise in full lifecycle property recruitment, covering architecture, interior design, surveying, land and planning, fire safety and wider construction roles. We offer informed and confidential discussions for both clients and candidates and welcome conversations about this opportunity and your wider career plans within the built environment.

Apply

If you meet the criteria above, send us your CV and portfolio. We receive a large number of applications so if you do not hear back within 7 days consider your application unsuccessful this time.

We will keep a copy of your details on file for future vacancies. In accordance with GDPR, by applying for this position you give us your consent to process your data in-line with our Privacy and Data Protection Policies which can be read on the privacy policy page on our website.

Referral

Did you know we run a referral scheme? We pay a £1000 referral bonus if you introduce us to anyone who we then successfully place in a new job role. Just send us their information and we’ll do the rest.

Terms: A candidate is deemed successfully placed once they have started a new job from a Hunter Dunning introduction and completed probation. See website for full terms & conditions.

Associate Urban Designer Job in Manchester – Your Property Recruitment Specialists ( Job Ref: 1334776)