Location
Manchester

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
We are seeking a Principal Landscape Architect to join our Manchester studio in a senior leadership capacity. This role offers the opportunity to lead the design and delivery of high-quality landscape projects both in the UK and internationally. You will be instrumental in shaping projects from concept through to completion, providing design direction, managing project delivery, and nurturing client relationships. Additionally, you will contribute to expanding our regional and international portfolio by collaborating closely with colleagues across the practice. This position suits a candidate who combines strong design ability with technical expertise and a collaborative leadership style.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and delivery of landscape projects across all stages
- Provide creative and technical direction within project teams
- Manage client relationships and contribute to business development
- Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants
- Support and mentor junior team members
- Contribute to the growth and profile of the Manchester studio

About Gillespies
For over 60 years, Gillespies has been designing exceptional places worldwide. We believe in working intelligently with people and nature to create places that deliver lasting social and environmental value. Our work spans neighbourhoods, parks, and major city districts across the UK and internationally. We are a collaborative, creative practice with studios in London, Oxford, Manchester, Leeds, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. Our culture is supportive, design-led, and people-focused, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term impact.

What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home, 3 days in the studio)
- Flexible working hours to support work-life balance
- Opportunities to work on high-profile UK and international projects
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Mentoring and support towards Chartership (if applicable)
- Paid professional membership
- Healthcare cashback scheme and Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Perkbox wellbeing and benefits platform
- Modern studio in central Manchester with gym, roof garden and cycle facilities
- Visa support where required

Experience
- 7+ years’ professional experience in landscape architecture
- Proven experience delivering UK-based projects
- International experience, particularly in arid or Middle Eastern landscapes, is desirable

About You
- Strong design portfolio demonstrating concept through to built work
- Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI), or equivalent preferred
- Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp
- Working knowledge of Revit is advantageous
- Strong communication skills, both visual and written
- Confident working with clients and multidisciplinary teams
- A proactive, collaborative and design-led approach

Qualifications
- Degree in Landscape Architecture or related discipline