Landscape Architecture Practice Lead

Job Description

My Client, a well established full service Engineering firm with a strong presence across NC, TX & FL, is looking for a Practice Lead, or Director, to lead and grow their established Charlotte team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious, relationship-driven professional who wants to take ownership of a practice, shape its future direction and make a tangible impact on its commercial success.

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You will inherit a high-performing, technically strong team with an established project portfolio and the expertise to deliver complex, high-quality work. Your focus will be on unlocking that potential: developing new client relationships, securing larger and more complex projects, strengthening the practice’s market presence and building a consistent pipeline of future work. This is a leadership opportunity for someone who combines commercial acumen with design credibility, strategic thinking and a collaborative approach to working across disciplines.

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As Practice Lead, you will take ownership of the Landscape Architecture practice in Charlotte, driving business development, client engagement, team development and financial performance. You will work closely with leadership across the wider business, collaborating with Civil Engineering, Transportation, Water Resources, and Planning & Design teams to deliver integrated solutions for clients across the region. The role offers significant autonomy, with responsibility for identifying opportunities, developing pursuit strategies, shaping proposals, establishing project fees and converting opportunities into secured work. You will have the opportunity to build on existing relationships across the private and public sectors, while expanding the practice’s reach into South Carolina, particularly Greenville and surrounding markets.

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Key Responsibilities

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Business Development & Market Growth

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• Develop and execute a strategic business development plan, alongside the VP, to grow the Charlotte Landscape Architecture practice.
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• Identify, pursue and secure new opportunities across private and public sector markets.
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• Leverage existing client relationships and establish new connections with developers, homebuilders, institutional clients, municipalities and other key stakeholders.
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• Build a sustainable project backlog, targeting larger, more complex and commercially valuable opportunities.
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• Lead client meetings, presentations, proposals and project pursuits, taking ownership of opportunities from initial engagement through to contract award.
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• Strengthen the practice’s presence across Charlotte and expand relationships into South Carolina, including the Greenville market.
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• Develop a balanced portfolio of private and public sector work, with an indicative target mix of approximately 60% private and 40% public sector.
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Client Relationships & Design Leadership

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• Establish yourself as a trusted adviser to clients, bringing a strong understanding of landscape architecture, site development and the broader planning and design process.
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• Lead complex design discussions and communicate the value of integrated, multidisciplinary solutions.
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• Work confidently with clients and technical teams to shape project approaches, understand client objectives and ensure the right solutions are delivered.
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• Provide strategic oversight of design and project delivery, drawing on the expertise of an established technical team rather than undertaking day-to-day design production.
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• Identify opportunities to connect clients with the wider capabilities of the business, including civil engineering, transportation, water resources, planning, 3D visualization and design.
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Practice & Team Leadership

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• Lead, develop and support the existing Landscape Architecture team, fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performing environment.
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• Work closely with the Senior Technical Manager and Practice Manager to align business development, technical delivery and operational performance.
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• Support career development, mentoring and succession planning, helping team members achieve their professional goals.
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• Promote strong collaboration across disciplines, ensuring Landscape Architecture is fully integrated into the wider project delivery process.
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• Assess future resourcing requirements and take responsibility for recruitment and team growth as business demand increases.
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• Build a cohesive team culture based on shared success, collaboration and high-quality client service.
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Commercial & Operational Management

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• Take ownership of the practice’s financial performance, including revenue growth, backlog development, profitability and project performance.
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• Establish appropriate project fees, develop scopes of work and contribute to competitive, commercially sound proposals.
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• Monitor performance against agreed financial targets, business development objectives and key performance indicators.
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• Review the existing client portfolio, identify priority markets and accounts, and establish a focused approach to future client and project selection.
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• Ensure projects are appropriately scoped and resourced to support successful delivery, client satisfaction and long-term profitability.
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What you will bring:

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• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited program in Landscape Architecture, City/Community/Regional Planning, Urban Planning, or related field required
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• Minimum of 10 years of experience in landscape architecture, planning, design, or a related field
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• RLA licensure required
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• Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for team performance, financial outcomes, and client relationships
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• Extensive experience in private land development design projects, with the ability to lead and guide teams through complex site, entitlement, and regulatory challenges
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• Deep expertise in landscape architecture design, with a strong emphasis on creativity, design excellence, and high-quality project outcomes
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• Proven track record in business development, including developing new clients and expanding existing accounts
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• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients, teams, and stakeholders effectively
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• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining focus on strategic objectives
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• Proficiency with relevant design and business software tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office)
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• Commitment to collaboration, team development, and continuous improvement
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