It is an exciting time to be joining Brisbane Airport, as we embark on a transformative journey, with more than $5 billion being invested in airport infrastructure, precinct development and growth over the next five years. As a result, Brisbane Airport continues to evolve as one of Australia’s most significant aviation, commercial and property destinations.
As our Design Strategy Manager, you will lead the strategic vision and direction of the Brisbane Airport Design Framework, helping shape how our airport precinct develops and evolves. This is an influential role where you will establish design strategies, standards and governance frameworks that support high-quality, customer-focused and commercially sustainable outcomes across major infrastructure, property and precinct development projects.
Who we are
Brisbane Airport Corporation is a proud Queensland-based company that manages Brisbane Airport (BNE), an award-winning hub and a key gateway to Australia and the world. Together, we are building an airport that connects people, creates community and supports our economy for generations to come.
We are passionate about what we do, and we are excited to make a positive difference connecting our communities, businesses and people with the world. Our team is committed and driven, and it is because of them that BNE is such a great airport.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Airport Planning, the Design Strategy Manager is responsible for leading and evolving BAC’s design vision and principles, ensuring they remain aligned with our strategic priorities, long-term development plans and contemporary design practice.
Working closely with the Design and Approvals Manager and teams across BAC, you will provide strategic design leadership and assurance across major infrastructure, property and precinct development projects. You will also support Brisbane Airport’s Design and Development Integrity Panel and help embed clear, consistent and effective design governance across project planning and delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading BAC’s design vision through the Brisbane Airport Design Framework.
- Developing and maintaining strategic design documents, including Design Vision, Universal Design, Wayfinding and Design for Country.
- Establishing a multi-year Design Framework roadmap, including design guidelines, precinct visions, workplans and governance processes.
- Embedding design requirements into project gateways, briefs, reviews and approval processes.
- Providing early-stage strategic design guidance to project teams, Project Managers and Sponsors.
- Leading the direction and facilitation of the quarterly Design and Development Integrity Panel.
- Supporting Universal Design implementation and the Accessibility Working Group, with a focus on the passenger journey.
- Identifying emerging design challenges, organisational gaps and opportunities to improve passenger-facing outcomes.
- Monitoring the adoption and effectiveness of the Design Framework and providing insights on compliance, risks and opportunities.
- Building strong relationships across Airport Planning, Infrastructure, Commercial, Aviation, Asset Management, Sustainability and other business areas.
- Driving continuous improvement in design processes, tools, templates and governance pathways to improve efficiency and reduce rework.
About you
You are an experienced architectural and design professional who can bring together strategic thinking, design expertise and practical implementation.
You are comfortable working across complex infrastructure, property or precinct environments and can build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You understand how to translate an overarching design vision into practical frameworks and governance processes that support effective project decision-making.
You will bring sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to influence outcomes across multiple projects and business areas.
You will also have:
- A Bachelor of Architecture or equivalent recognised architectural qualification.
- At least 10 years’ experience in architectural design, with a focus on public spaces, transport, retail or hospitality infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of sustainable and universal design principles.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and planning capability, including developing and implementing long-term design visions for infrastructure.
- High-level written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship-building and influencing skills.
- The ability to plan, organise and manage competing priorities.
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety legislation and Australian Standard construction contracts.
Registration as an Architect in Australia and experience leading design frameworks, design review processes or placemaking strategies for major public infrastructure will be highly regarded.
If you are passionate about design excellence and want to play a key role in shaping the future of one of Australia’s most significant airport precincts, we would love to hear from you.
What we offer
Our culture is built on communication, collaboration, courage and care, values we live by with our colleagues, stakeholders, partners and the community. We recognise that our most important priority is keeping our people safe and that looking after their wellbeing and development gives them every opportunity to thrive.
We offer a range of benefits including:
- An exciting airport environment with opportunities to collaborate across diverse and dynamic business groups.
- The opportunity to influence major infrastructure, property and precinct development projects.
- A strategic role helping shape the long-term design direction of Brisbane Airport.
- Free parking at the Domestic and International terminals, anywhere, anytime and for as long as you need.
- Generous leave types, including 15 days’ personal leave, three wellbeing days, cultural and volunteer leave, and an additional leave day at Christmas.
- Expansive employee wellbeing initiatives.
Next steps
Applications for this role will close on Friday, 16 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date.
If you have the experience, strategic design capability and passion to succeed in this role, please apply now with your CV and a short cover letter outlining your suitability.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, respected and empowered to succeed. We believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our organisation. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and strive to create an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
We provide equal opportunities for all candidates and are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone.
As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.