At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead landscape strategy and deliver sustainable solutions for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a leader in environmental delivery and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to sustainability and positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Chartered Landscape Architect status or relevant experience in multidisciplinary environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
Lead Landscape Architect in Warrington employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we pride ourselves on being an employer that genuinely cares about our people, communities, and the environment. As a Lead Landscape Architect, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work culture that champions professional growth and offers competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and a generous annual leave policy. Join us in making a meaningful impact across the North West, where your expertise will help shape sustainable solutions and enhance biodiversity in our projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Landscape Architect in Warrington
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like United Utilities that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like United Utilities that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like United Utilities. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like United Utilities when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Landscape Architect in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with United Utilities's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Lead Landscape Architect.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research United Utilities and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that United Utilities is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Lead Landscape Architect.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with United Utilities.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at United Utilities.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of United Utilities. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
