Associate Director

Hunter Dunning; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in Bournemouth is seeking an Associate Director – Landscape Architect to lead innovative projects and mentor the upcoming design talent. The role entails managing design delivery, client relationships, and working collaboratively with planners and architects. The ideal candidate should have 5+ years of experience, strong design and technical skills, and the ability to handle large-scale projects. Competitive salary, hybrid working, and benefits are offered, emphasizing sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive salary

8% employer pension scheme

Life assurance

Private medical insurance

28 days annual leave

Structured CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' post-chartership experience.
• Proven creative flair in design.
• Extensive experience within the English Planning System.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of landscape architecture projects.
• Provide creative and technical leadership to project teams.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

CMLI qualification

Conceptual and analytical design skills

Client-facing skills

Commercial awareness

Experience with large-scale projects

Tools

Vectorworks/CAD

Microsoft Office

NBS

Adobe Creative Cloud

QGIS

Job description

Associate Director – Landscape Architect (Bournemouth, Dorset)

Join an award-winning, employee-owned consultancy shaping the future of sustainable landscapes across the UK. This is your chance to lead inspiring projects and help mentor the next generation of design talent in a creative, collaborative environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, busy and award-winning multi‑disciplinary employee‑owned trust practice operating throughout the UK with offices in Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol and London. The consultancy combines expertise in planning, landscape architecture and urban design to deliver innovative, high‑quality and commercially sound solutions. With people at the heart of every project, the team focuses on creating lasting legacies through meaningful, well‑considered design. The culture is supportive and collaborative, encouraging senior staff to mentor junior team members and engage in ongoing professional development.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of landscape architecture projects from concept through to completion.
• Provide creative and technical leadership to project teams across multiple scales.
• Work collaboratively with planners, architects and environmental consultants to develop integrated solutions.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development initiatives.
• Monitor project budgets, timelines and fee expenditure.
• Mentor and support junior members of the landscape team.
• Represent the company at industry events, client meetings and planning consultations.

Required Skills & Experience

• CMLI qualification with a minimum of 5 years' post‑chartership experience.
• Strong conceptual and analytical design skills with proven creative flair.
• Extensive experience within the English Planning System.
• Proficiency in Vectorworks/CAD, Microsoft Office and NBS.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator), QGIS desirable.
• Excellent presentation, communication and client‑facing skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and monitor fees.
• Experience working on large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Right to work in the UK.

What you get back

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 8% employer pension scheme.
• Life assurance and private medical insurance.
• Hybrid working model.
• 28 days annual leave (rising to 33 with service) plus bank holidays.
• Employee benefits platform including salary sacrifice car and cycle schemes.
• Structured CPD opportunities.
• Dynamic, supportive and collaborative office environment.
• Work for a net‑zero company committed to sustainability.

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 £1,000 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 to have been successfully placed once they have started a new job as a result of an introduction made by Hunter Dunning and when they have successfully completed the probation period. See website for full terms & conditions.