The Role

The Design Service is an in-house, fee-earning multi-disciplinary consultancy service covering a full range of construction professional services including M&E, building and quantity surveying, architecture, landscape architecture, energy management and project management.

The service delivers a wide range of projects across the public realm and the expanding Council’s housing self-build programme. This service is rare if not unique in local government and this role presents an opportunity for an experienced and customer focussed professional to make a difference in a forward looking and commercially minded Council.

About the job:

As a Landscape Architect you will work closely with Stakeholders and colleagues within Design Service and the Council.

You will need to demonstrate strong programme planning & delivery, procurement & contract management skills and an ability to effectively manage budgets.

Working across all sectors you will be expected to:

• Design the surrounding landscape and spaces in connection with the design of new builds, refurbishments, large redevelopments, bespoke conversions;
• Design outside spaces with hard and soft landscaping with playgrounds as required:
• Specify the nature and quality of materials required
• Prepare applications for planning and building control departments
• Prepare specifications, administer contracts using NBS contract administrator
• Project manage and help to coordinate the work of contractors
• Carry out regular site visits to check on progress and ensure that the project is running on time and to budget 
• Resolve problems and issues that arise during construction
• Ensure that the environmental impact of the project is managed.

On council designated projects you will provide the following from inception to completion:

• technical advice
• prepare contract documentation
• manage payments
• other contract administration

You will need to have previous experience of working as a Landscape Architect in the public sector along with experience of budgeting, estimating, interim and final accounts. You will also need experience of tender procedures and contract administration and Strong negotiation skills. Total IT literacy with excellent communication skills and the Ability to work autonomously and to tight deadlines will also be needed.

You will be an excellent communicator with a positive attitude and good organisational skills; you will have the ability to follow through your work effectively and follow through to completion, with an emphasis on high standards and quality.

You will also be solutions focussed and comfortable taking responsibility for tasks and delivering results. You will be expected to manage your projects, including reporting as required to senior management. Involvement in projects can be from the initial concept through to completion.

This is an exciting opportunity where you will have the support and the training to improve your capabilities and develop your skills to another level. If this sounds like an opportunity you have been seeking, we are keen to hear from you!

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Alex Leahy on 07887630221 or Isabel Dozic Frost on 07920184567.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed hours and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date: Sunday 5^th September 2021

Shortlisting Date: w/c Monday 6^th September 2021

Interview Date: TBC

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils