Lead Landscape Architect

Job Description

At United Utilities, we’re looking for a passionate and strategic Lead Landscape Architect to help shape the future of environmental delivery across the North West.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead landscape and environmental thinking across major infrastructure programmes that improve communities, protect natural environments and support long-term sustainability.

You’ll work at the heart of multidisciplinary teams, influencing projects from early design through to delivery, while helping us achieve ambitious biodiversity, environmental and customer outcomes.

If you’re motivated by meaningful work, collaborative problem-solving and the opportunity to make a visible difference at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

As Lead Landscape Architect, you’ll lead landscape input across a wide range of capital delivery programmes and projects, ensuring environmental priorities are embedded into design and construction activities.

Reporting to the Biodiversity and Landscape Manager, you’ll:

• Lead landscape strategy and technical delivery across major capital projects
• Manage and coordinate external consultants, contractors and specialist partners
• Work closely with engineers, environmental specialists, planners and project teams to develop sustainable solutions
• Build strong relationships with regulators, local authorities and environmental stakeholders including the EA and Natural England
• Support planning, consenting and environmental approvals processes
• Champion biodiversity, natural capital, landscape quality and sustainable water management
• Provide expert advice in customer-facing situations and help resolve landscape-related concerns
• Lead, mentor and develop technical team members and support future capability growth
• Help shape environmental standards, guidance and best practice across the business

You’ll play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in a way that benefits both people and the environment.

What we’re looking for

We know great candidates don’t always meet every requirement listed below. If this role excites you and you have relevant experience, we encourage you to apply.

We’d love to hear from people who have:

• Chartered Landscape Architect status (or are working towards chartership with significant relevant experience)
• Strong knowledge of UK planning policy, landscape legislation and environmental best practice
• Experience working within multidisciplinary project environments
• An understanding of biodiversity, BNG, ecology, landscape planning or environmental design
• Experience working with external stakeholders, regulators or planning authorities
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences
• Strong leadership, collaboration and relationship-building skills
• A passion for sustainability, environmental improvement and delivering positive outcomes

it would also be helpful if you have experience with:

• UKHab assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain delivery
• GIS, AutoCAD or ProjectWise
• Infrastructure, utilities or major capital projects

Why join United Utilities?

At United Utilities, you’ll be part of a business that genuinely cares about people, communities and the environment.

We offer a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment where you can grow your career while contributing to nationally important environmental programmes.

What we offer

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after four years, plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• Up to 20% performance-related bonus
• £5000 Annual Car allowance
• Company-funded healthcare plan
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Ongoing professional development and support for continued learning

Inclusion matters to us

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re happy to discuss any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every criteria. If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t perfectly match the description, we’d still love to hear from you.

About United Utilities

United Utilities provides water and wastewater services across the North West, supporting millions of customers every day.

We’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s Inclusive Top 50 Employers, reflecting our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can succeed and feel they belong.

Together, we’re helping build stronger communities, protect natural environments and create a more sustainable future.