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- Tasks: Lead landscape design assurance for Europe's largest infrastructure project, HS2.
- Company: Join High Speed Two Ltd, a leader in innovative landscape and ecology programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 12% pension, hybrid working, and long-term career security.
- Why this job: Shape the UK's landscape legacy and influence major environmental outcomes.
- Qualifications: Degree in Landscape Architecture and experience in large-scale projects required.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic leadership and full lifecycle exposure in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 77500 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham or London (Hybrid - 3 days office/site - flexible working)
Salary: £70,000 - £77,500 / £75,000 - £83,672 London + 12% Pension + Package
One of the Most Unique Landscape Roles in Europe
This is not a typical landscape Architect/ Design role. This is an opportunity to join High Speed Two Ltd and take a client-side leadership position on the largest landscape and ecology programme of its kind in Europe, forming part of HS2.
We're delivering:
- 3,500 hectares of landscape and habitat creation
- 8 million trees and 400km of hedgerows
- A long-term environmental legacy tied to a nationally significant infrastructure programme
This is a rare chance to shape a project that will define the UK's landscape for generations.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Client-side ownership, you influence outcomes, not just advise
- Strategic leadership role - act as the “strong voice in the room”
- Massive scale & complexity — across multiple contracts and disciplines
- Full lifecycle exposure: design, construction, handover, and long-term asset management
- 30-year asset legacy backed by DfT commitment
- 10+ years remaining on the programme → long-term career security
This is the kind of role that broadens your career beyond pure design into delivery, strategy, and asset management, indeed full estate management.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Landscape, you will join a small, high-level team as one of the senior leaders responsible for landscape design assurance and delivery across HS2. This is a strategic oversight role, not hands-on design. You will act as the client's subject matter expert, ensuring landscape commitments are delivered to the highest standards across detailed design, construction, and long-term maintenance.
With civils and green asset packages already in detailed design and construction, your focus will be on assurance, verification, and performance across delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the Landscape Design Subject Matter Expert, setting direction and assuring quality across multiple contracts
- Provide technical leadership and design verification, ensuring compliant and value-driven solutions
- Influence and challenge Tier 1 contractors and design teams to drive performance
- Work across a complex, multi-disciplinary environment including civils, environment, planning, and delivery teams
- Oversee on-site verification of landscape works and ensure delivery aligns with design intent
- Support handover and transition into long-term asset management and maintenance
- Ensure landscape mitigation commitments are fully realised across the programme
What They’re Looking For
- Degree in Landscape Architecture (or equivalent), ideally Chartered (CMLI)
- Proven experience as a landscape/public realm SME on major infrastructure or large-scale projects
- Strong track record overseeing landscape delivery (not just design)
- Experience working across design, construction, and handover phases
- Strong understanding of design assurance, programme, cost, and risk
- Ability to influence, challenge, and hold contractors to account
- Experience in complex environments such as rail, highways, regeneration, or large public realm schemes
Why Move from Consultancy?
This role is particularly suited to those currently in consultancy who want more ownership:
- Move from advisory → decision-making authority
- Gain exposure across full lifecycle delivery (EIA → design → construction → maintenance)
- Broaden your technical experience
- Work on multiple phases simultaneously — experience that typically takes 10-15 years to build
- No timesheets, no fee pressure — focus on quality and outcomes
Client-Side Landscape Leader for Europe Largest Infra in Birmingham employer: Charlton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charlton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client-Side Landscape Leader for Europe Largest Infra in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so know your stuff about HS2 and how your skills can make a difference in their landscape programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Client-Side Landscape Leader for Europe Largest Infra in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in landscape design and how it aligns with the unique aspects of this position at HS2. We want to see how you can influence outcomes and bring strategic leadership to the table!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate your expertise as a Landscape Design Subject Matter Expert. Share specific examples of how you've overseen landscape delivery on major projects, and how you’ve influenced contractors to achieve high standards. We love seeing real-world impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively across complex environments, so show us you can do that right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at HS2 and being part of this incredible landscape programme!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Landscape Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of landscape design and ecology, especially as it relates to large infrastructure projects. Brush up on HS2’s goals and how your expertise aligns with their vision for a sustainable future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about strategic oversight and influencing outcomes. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or projects, particularly in complex environments. Highlight how you’ve driven performance and ensured quality.
✨Understand the Full Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire lifecycle of landscape projects, from design through to maintenance. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute at each stage, especially in terms of assurance and verification, which are key responsibilities in this role.
✨Prepare to Challenge and Influence
You’ll need to hold contractors accountable and ensure compliance with design intent. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to influence stakeholders or challenge decisions. Be prepared to articulate your approach to maintaining high standards and driving value.