Associate Director

Overview

An established landscape and environmental consultancy is seeking a senior-level Landscape Planner to join the practice at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced professional to step into a leadership role, bridging the gap between directors and junior staff, with a clear and immediate pathway to senior management and director-level responsibility.

The consultancy currently comprises a close-knit team of nine, including two directors and a group of graduate and mid-level staff. Following the departure of several senior team members in recent years, the business is now looking for a capable and ambitious individual to help lead projects, manage and mentor staff, and play a key role in the future direction of the practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage LVIA projects from inception through to delivery
• Oversee and review drawings, reports, and technical outputs produced by junior staff
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance, mentoring, and quality control across the team
• Act as Project Manager on selected schemes, liaising directly with clients and stakeholders
• Prepare and review Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIAs)
• Appear as an expert witness at Public Inquiry where required (or demonstrate a strong interest in developing this capability)
• Contribute to business development, client relationships, and the strategic growth of the practice
• Support the directors during a planned transition period, with the intention of progressing into a senior leadership / director role

About the Opportunity

• There is no existing senior successor in place, meaning progression to the most senior level is immediate for the right individual
• Both current directors are planning to step back over the next few years and are actively seeking their successors
• The role offers a genuine opportunity to influence the future direction, structure, and growth of the business
• The consultancy has a strong and established client base including national developers, local authorities, and public-sector bodies
• Turnover has historically been close to £1m, with clear scope for growth under new senior leadership
• The business functions well as it stands, but offers significant potential for expansion

Candidate Requirements

• Significant experience in landscape planning, with a strong focus on LVIA
• Proven ability to manage projects and oversee the work of others
• Confidence working directly with clients and representing the practice externally
• Experience of Public Inquiry work as an expert witness, or a strong desire to develop this capability
• Leadership ambition and an interest in taking on long-term responsibility for running a consultancy
• Full right to work in the UK (sponsorship is not available)

Salary & Benefits

• Basic salary in the region of £55,000 - £65,000, depending on experience and seniority
• Annual discretionary bonus (historically equivalent to approximately one month's salary)
• Clear and immediate pathway to Associate Director / Director level for the right candidate