Principal Landscape Architect / Landscape Planner - North West and Midlands

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Health and wellbeing support

Training and mentoring opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

A leading design consultancy in the UK is seeking a qualified Principal Landscape Architect to join their Landscape & Urban Design team. This role involves leading design projects, managing junior team members, and engaging with clients in both public and private sectors. The position supports a hybrid working model, ensuring work-life balance, with various benefits including health and wellbeing programs. Applicants should possess a degree in Landscape Architecture and have experience in relevant assessments and design projects.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Landscape Architecture or recognised equivalent.
• Postgraduate diploma or Masters qualification in Landscape Architecture or recognised equivalent.
• Established Landscape Planning track record delivering Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisals and Assessments.
• Technical know-how and experience managing landscape design during the construction phase.
• Fluent spoken English with excellent verbal, written and graphic communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, author and coordinate Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisals and Assessments.
• Lead on design projects through all LI/RIBA stages, generally in a BIM Level 2 environment.
• Support relationships with existing and new public/private sector clients.
• Prepare bids for multi-disciplinary projects.
• Manage and delegate project work to junior team members.
• Client-facing role: provide design advice, lead workshops and stakeholder events.

Skills

Landscape Architecture

Client communication

Design leadership

BIM Level 2 environment

Project management

Landscape Planning

Verbal communication

Education

Degree level qualification in Landscape Architecture

Postgraduate diploma or Masters in Landscape Architecture

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a suitably qualified Principal Landscape Architect and Landscape Planner to join the UK Landscape & Urban Design team. This role will be part of a passionate and motivated team with offices across the UK, working with colleagues at WSP and abroad.

Responsibilities

• Lead, author and coordinate Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisals and Assessments.
• Lead on design projects, including urban realm and mixed‑use developments, through all LI/RIBA stages, generally working in a BIM Level 2 environment.
• Support development of relationships with existing and new clients in public and private sectors.
• Prepare bids, from small to complex multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Lead, manage and delegate project work to junior members of the team.
• Client‑facing role: provide design advice, lead workshops and stakeholder events.
• Participate in internal multi‑disciplinary working groups promoting innovation, excellence and thought leadership.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Landscape Architecture or recognised equivalent.
• Postgraduate diploma or Masters qualification in Landscape Architecture or recognised equivalent.
• Established Landscape Planning track record delivering Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisals and Assessments.
• OR established Landscape Design track record successfully delivering landscape and urban design projects from initial site analysis and design strategies through to concept and detailed design stages.
• Technical know‑how and experience managing landscape design during the construction phase.
• Experience in understanding client requirements and developing scope and fee proposals.
• Fluent spoken English with excellent verbal, written and graphic communication skills.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy allows working from home two days a week with opportunities to collaborate in modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & belonging: We welcome applicants from varied backgrounds and provide a supportive culture of inclusion.

Health & wellbeing: Support through the Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, gym membership scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” allows taking one hour each day for personal activities, flexible working arrangements and additional leave options.

Development: Training, mentoring and chartership opportunities.

EEO Statement

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.