Health Principal at HDR in Sydney, New South Wales, AU

Health Principal, Australian Architecture Practice

Complex Challenges. Extraordinary Outcomes.

At HDR, we design with purpose, transforming complex challenges into extraordinary places that inspire, connect and endure. As a 100% employee-owned practice, our people don't just contribute to projects, they take ownership of them.

We're seeking an established healthcare sector leader to join HDR's Australian Architecture Practice as Health Principal.

Ranked No. 1 in Healthcare in the 2024 Modern Healthcare Construction & Design Survey, HDR offers the opportunity to be part of a globally connected healthcare network shaping the future of healthcare design in Australia. You will draw on international best practice and innovative thinking, bringing global perspectives to the local market while helping drive the growth of HDR's Health practice, strengthening client relationships and delivering projects that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.

Places That Heal, Connect & Endure

At HDR, we're driven by the impact of good design on healthcare outcomes, designing with empathy to create places of healing and hope. We create robust, enduring environments that promote wellbeing, connection and inclusion while responding to the rapidly evolving future of healthcare delivery.

In This Role You Will

Lead the Growth of HDR's Health Practice

• Drive the strategic growth of HDR's healthcare architecture business across Australia.
• Develop and implement sector growth strategies aligned with HDR's broader business objectives.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, industry trends and strategic partnerships.
• Enhance HDR's profile as a leader in healthcare planning and design.

Build Strong Client Relationships

• Establish and strengthen relationships with healthcare clients, government agencies, health authorities and industry stakeholders.
• Lead client engagement and business development activities across Australia.
• Position HDR for high-value and strategically significant healthcare opportunities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and industry partners.

Deliver Project Excellence

• Provide executive project leadership on major healthcare projects.
• Support project teams in delivering exceptional design, planning and client outcomes.
• Participate in key project phases including strategic planning, briefing, design and stakeholder engagement.
• Champion quality, innovation and evidence-based healthcare design.

Develop People and Culture

• Mentor and develop current and future healthcare leaders, fostering a high-performing and engaged Health practice through talent development, succession planning and employee retention.
• Support strategic recruitment, workforce planning and succession initiatives.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional growth across the practice.
• Champion HDR's employee-owned culture and values.

Strengthen HDR's Industry Presence

• Represent HDR at industry forums, conferences and professional associations.
• Contribute thought leadership through presentations, publications and industry engagement.
• Promote innovation and best practice in healthcare planning and design.
• Help elevate HDR's reputation across the Australian healthcare sector.

What You’ll Bring

• Deep experience within Australia's healthcare planning, design or project delivery sector.
• Demonstrated success growing client relationships, winning work and developing strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of healthcare facility planning, operational requirements and emerging models of care.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, major pursuits and complex healthcare projects.
• Knowledge of Australian healthcare planning guidelines, standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, leadership and communication skills.
• Architectural, healthcare planning or related professional qualifications.
• Registered Architect or equivalent professional accreditation highly regarded.
• Passion for design excellence, innovation and evidence-based healthcare design.

Why Join HDR?

• Employee-owned business. Share in the success you help create.
• Opportunity to shape the future direction of HDR's Health sector in Australia.
• Access to one of the world's leading healthcare design networks.
• Collaborate with local and global healthcare specialists, planners and designers.
• Lead projects that improve lives, strengthen communities and create lasting impact.
• Join a culture built on ownership, care, curiosity and collaboration.

At HDR, you're not just part of the team. You're part of the business. #LI-CG3

What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ , People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Our Commitment

HDR is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified and/or experienced candidates, regardless of gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or religious and political beliefs. This includes encouragement for veterans.

HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.