Job Description

Our multidisciplinary design studio, based in central Manchester, is looking for a director level landscape architect to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to become part of an established studio team and in turn be a key member of the Place Team within the wider Landscape, Design and Assessment offer at SLR.
This is a key leadership role offering excellent further career opportunities within an organisation that is committed to the enhancement of our natural and built environment. The current Place Team in Manchester has 16 creative individuals, engaged in some of the most exciting projects in the north of England and around the UK and Ireland. The team is multidisciplined, covering landscape architecture, masterplanning, urban design, landscape planning and landscape and visual assessment.
The Manchester team collaborates closely with other disciplines and teams within the wider Landscape, Design and Assessment offer within SLR and together comprises over 100 like-minded professionals shaping responsible and innovative interventions in our natural and built environment, in a way that creates places for people and wildlife, helps to tackle the climate emergency and set the agenda for a more sustainable way of living.
Landscape, Design and Assessment is a significant part of, and influence within, SLR Consulting, enabling truly integrated design across the built and natural environment sector. For example, working with our SLR colleagues in transport and mobility, ecology, engineering, hydrology and natural capital allows us together to tackle some of society's greatest challenges.
If you want to make a difference, the opportunity exists within SLR.
For further information about the Place Team at SLR please visit: https://www.slrconsulting.com/eur/services/place/
The role
You will play a key leadership role with other senior staff within the Manchester studio and the wider National Place Team at SLR. The role is based in Manchester but will include involvement in local, regional and national Place Team projects across the UK and Ireland.
Collaboration with other disciplines will be a key part of this role, working together to shape and design places in a creative and design-led way.
You will be involved in managing a variety of complex projects, alongside the wider team, at any one time, to lead on the development and delivery of place-led landscape projects and to grow and development a diverse project portfolio. This will include all stages of the design process from early advice, concept strategies, public consultation, through to planning submissions and delivery on site.
Your experience, design approach and track record will be critical to supporting the team through these stages.
You will be involved in a wide range of design challenges facing the natural and built environment. You will work across our multidisciplinary Place Team on some of the most significant development and regeneration projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Many of these are moving towards implementation as well as a number already on site, providing an excellent range of experience to enable you to progress in your career and those of others.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the landscape design offer of the Manchester Place Team studio
• Manage and develop colleagues within Manchester Studio which would include line management and coaching / mentorship
• Use personal judgement and initiative to develop innovative and constructive design solutions
• Manage established and new client relationships
• Secure a supply of new projects, building up a backlog of work and prospects and negotiating fee proposals
• Represent SLR Place Team at industry conferences and events
• Manage and control project finances
• Continue to update personal knowledge or relevant technical, legal and policy changes
• Provide guidance on quality matters and technical issues
• Seek to "add value" to all the work we do and to the Place Team culture

About us
SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 3,000 employees across 6 regions - including over 1,000 staff across Europe. SLR's 'one team' culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.
Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days' annual leave, SLR offer flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.
About you
We are looking for an inspiring leader with a proven track record in designing, implementing and managing a landscape team, as well as extensive professional knowledge, industry presence and client experience. You will have the desire to continue to build and grow an established team, fostering professional development in others and enhancing a sense of team spirit.
On a technical front, a degree in landscape architecture, excellent written skills, working knowledge of Adobe, Microsoft and AutoCAD packages, and design flair are essential.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SLR
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional DE&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.
We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under-represented at SLR, such as: LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minority groups, women, and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.
Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.

Skills Required