Associate Director - Landscape Planning

LEAD Careers; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading landscape planning firm in London is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) services. This role involves managing projects, providing strategic advice, and mentoring junior staff within a collaborative team. The ideal candidate will have chartered membership of the Landscape Institute and extensive experience in LVIA. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Employee ownership scheme with profit-sharing opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Professional development support

Access to wellbeing programs and mental health support

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering LVIA and landscape planning services across various sectors.
• Strong understanding of planning policy and visual assessment methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage LVIA projects from inception to completion.
• Provide expert landscape planning advice to clients and project teams.
• Prepare and review LVIA reports and conduct site appraisals.

Skills

Project management

Landscape planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Problem-solving

Mentoring

Education

Chartered membership of the Landscape Institute (CMLI)

Job description

Role – Associate Director - Landscape Planning

Location – London

Salary – £DOE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic Associate Director to lead Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and landscape planning services within a well-established multidisciplinary practice. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality LVIA reports and providing strategic landscape planning advice across a diverse range of projects including residential, energy infrastructure, transport, and commercial developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage LVIA projects from inception to completion, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines
• Provide expert landscape planning advice to clients and project teams, influencing design outcomes and securing planning approvals
• Prepare and review LVIA reports, including visual baseline studies, impact assessments, and mitigation strategies
• Conduct and oversee site appraisals, including Green Belt and Grey Belt assessments, and contribute to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
• Engage with stakeholders, including local authorities and statutory consultees, to facilitate consultation processes
• Mentor and support junior staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Contribute to business development activities, including preparing proposals and attending client meetings

About You

• Chartered membership of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) or an equivalent professional qualification
• Extensive experience delivering LVIA and landscape planning services across various sectors
• Strong understanding of planning policy, visual assessment methodologies, and strategic landscape analysis
• Proven ability to manage and deliver complex projects within budget and to deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous professional development

On Offer

• Competitive salary package
• Employee ownership scheme with profit-sharing opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid and remote options
• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Professional development support including funding for training and conferences
• Access to wellbeing programs and mental health support
• Collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture
• Modern, well-equipped offices with excellent transport links
• Opportunities for career progression and leadership development

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking and employee-owned multidisciplinary practice known for creating sustainable, climate-resilient landscapes. The role offers significant responsibility, the chance to work on impactful projects, and the ability to shape both the future of the practice and the built environment.

The Next Step

If you are interested in this role or any other similar opportunities, please click apply and upload your CV, or contact Adam Johnston on 07510919594 to find out what else may be out there.

All applications for this role will remain completely confidential between yourself and Adam Johnston. You will not be added to any mailing lists and rest assured your details would NOT be passed on to anyone without your prior authorisation.

Additionally, please connect on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest news. Adam Johnston – LinkedIn profile not reproduced here.