15 Biodiversity jobs in the United Kingdom

• Subject matter expert on Ecology or INNS, conservation delivery partnerships and how they relate directly to our business.
• Support the delivery of key programmes of work, including Biodiversity, INNS, land management of our estate and the delivery of our WINEP programme.
• Supporting the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist to technically manage implementation, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity / INNS initiatives and projects. Responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures needed.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and partners, environmental NGOs and catchment partnerships, as well as other Water Companies to promote our programme. Representing Southern Water on technical environmental partnerships.

• Demonstrable applied expertise of project delivery in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement projects, estate management, and innovative conservation delivery.
• Proven experience of project delivery of INNS/Biodiversity or Ecology projects.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience of managing and mentoring a small team.
• Great communicator and ability to engage and deliver complex presentations in a clear and concise way to a variety of senior, technical, non-technical and public audiences.
• Ability / willingness to travel across the region regularly (weekly) to attend site visits and meetings.

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES

• Subject matter expert on Ecology or INNS, conservation delivery partnerships and how they relate directly to our business.
• Support the delivery of key programmes of work, including Biodiversity, INNS, land management of our estate and the delivery of our WINEP programme.
• Supporting the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist to technically manage implementation, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity / INNS initiatives and projects. Responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures needed.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and partners, environmental NGOs and catchment partnerships, as well as other Water Companies to promote our programme. Representing Southern Water on technical environmental partnerships.

• Demonstrable applied expertise of project delivery in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement projects, estate management, and innovative conservation delivery.
• Proven experience of project delivery of INNS/Biodiversity or Ecology projects.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience of managing and mentoring a small team.
• Great communicator and ability to engage and deliver complex presentations in a clear and concise way to a variety of senior, technical, non-technical and public audiences.
• Ability / willingness to travel across the region regularly (weekly) to attend site visits and meetings.

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES

• Subject matter expert on Ecology or INNS, conservation delivery partnerships and how they relate directly to our business.
• Support the delivery of key programmes of work, including Biodiversity, INNS, land management of our estate and the delivery of our WINEP programme.
• Supporting the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist to technically manage implementation, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity / INNS initiatives and projects. Responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures needed.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and partners, environmental NGOs and catchment partnerships, as well as other Water Companies to promote our programme. Representing Southern Water on technical environmental partnerships.

• Demonstrable applied expertise of project delivery in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement projects, estate management, and innovative conservation delivery.
• Proven experience of project delivery of INNS/Biodiversity or Ecology projects.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience of managing and mentoring a small team.
• Great communicator and ability to engage and deliver complex presentations in a clear and concise way to a variety of senior, technical, non-technical and public audiences.
• Ability / willingness to travel across the region regularly (weekly) to attend site visits and meetings.

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE "APPLY NOW" BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES

• Subject matter expert on Ecology or INNS, conservation delivery partnerships and how they relate directly to our business.
• Support the delivery of key programmes of work, including Biodiversity, INNS, land management of our estate and the delivery of our WINEP programme.
• Supporting the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist to technically manage implementation, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity / INNS initiatives and projects. Responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures needed.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and partners, environmental NGOs and catchment partnerships, as well as other Water Companies to promote our programme. Representing Southern Water on technical environmental partnerships.

• Demonstrable applied expertise of project delivery in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement projects, estate management, and innovative conservation delivery.
• Proven experience of project delivery of INNS/Biodiversity or Ecology projects.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience of managing and mentoring a small team.
• Great communicator and ability to engage and deliver complex presentations in a clear and concise way to a variety of senior, technical, non-technical and public audiences.
• Ability / willingness to travel across the region regularly (weekly) to attend site visits and meetings.

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

Job Title: Senior Biodiversity Specialists

Location: Flexible (within our region) hybrid, approx. 2 days a week in an office (NB Regular weekly travel across the region required)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: circa £55,000 depending on skills and experience

The Environment & Innovation team is at the forefront of Southern Water's drive to enhance and protect the environment. Deploying the latest innovative solutions and working in partnership with our customers and stakeholders, the team takes a holistic approach to managing water quality and flow across the region. Currently delivering a £0million portfolio which rapidly expands to over billion over the next 10 years. This is a fast-paced team that is now expanding to continue to deliver a larger programme of sustainable and innovative solutions.  We are developing an exciting new team led by the Environment Strategy Manager, who are together responsible for driving environmental ambition and delivery across the business. Together this team will have responsibility for our Biodiversity and Inns programmes. 

Job Overview

We are currently recruiting two brand new Senior Specialists into our team – an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and an Ecology expert. 

The role holders will support the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist as part of an in-house team to deliver the company's Biodiversity and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and/or deliver the company's Biodiversity Performance Commitment and Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). Successful implementation of our WINEP programmes directly influences our Environmental Performance Assessment star rating. These roles will manage a small delivery team.

• Subject matter expert on Ecology or INNS, conservation delivery partnerships and how they relate directly to our business.
• Support the delivery of key programmes of work, including Biodiversity, INNS, land management of our estate and the delivery of our WINEP programme. 
• Supporting the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist to technically manage implementation, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity / INNS initiatives and projects. Responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures needed.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and partners, environmental NGOs and catchment partnerships, as well as other Water Companies to promote our programme. Representing Southern Water on technical environmental partnerships.

About You

• Demonstrable applied expertise of project delivery in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement projects, estate management, and innovative conservation delivery.
• Proven experience of project delivery of INNS/Biodiversity or Ecology projects.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience of managing and mentoring a small team.
• Great communicator and ability to engage and deliver complex presentations in a clear and concise way to a variety of senior, technical, non-technical and public audiences.
• Ability / willingness to travel across the region regularly (weekly) to attend site visits and meetings.

Package

This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between one of our offices, sites and home.  We are offering a salary of circa £55,000 s well as other benefits including:

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year 
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications  
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

Join our Environment & Innovation team and see how far your career could progress with a company committed to career progression, training and development opportunities, our customers and the environment.

Does this opportunity excite you but you're not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? We will also be hiring a range of other Biodiversity Specialists across the team so please apply if you are interested in these types on roles. 

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That's why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you'll become part of our incident support team. During your interview, your manager will speak to you about any incident support rotas that apply to your position.

Privacy Statement:

Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your Manager is aware of your application.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AC1

Job Title: Senior Biodiversity Specialists

Location: Flexible (within our region) hybrid, approx. 2 days a week in an office (NB Regular weekly travel across the region required)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: circa £55,000 depending on skills and experience

The Environment & Innovation team is at the forefront of Southern Water's drive to enhance and protect the environment. Deploying the latest innovative solutions and working in partnership with our customers and stakeholders, the team takes a holistic approach to managing water quality and flow across the region. Currently delivering a £0million portfolio which rapidly expands to over billion over the next 10 years. This is a fast-paced team that is now expanding to continue to deliver a larger programme of sustainable and innovative solutions.  We are developing an exciting new team led by the Environment Strategy Manager, who are together responsible for driving environmental ambition and delivery across the business. Together this team will have responsibility for our Biodiversity and Inns programmes. 

Job Overview

We are currently recruiting two brand new Senior Specialists into our team – an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and an Ecology expert. 

The role holders will support the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist as part of an in-house team to deliver the company's Biodiversity and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and/or deliver the company's Biodiversity Performance Commitment and Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). Successful implementation of our WINEP programmes directly influences our Environmental Performance Assessment star rating. These roles will manage a small delivery team.

• Subject matter expert on Ecology or INNS, conservation delivery partnerships and how they relate directly to our business.
• Support the delivery of key programmes of work, including Biodiversity, INNS, land management of our estate and the delivery of our WINEP programme. 
• Supporting the Principal Biodiversity & INNS Specialist to technically manage implementation, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity / INNS initiatives and projects. Responsible for undertaking technical evaluation / recommendations on environmental nature-based measures needed.
• Engagement with key stakeholders and partners, environmental NGOs and catchment partnerships, as well as other Water Companies to promote our programme. Representing Southern Water on technical environmental partnerships.

About You

• Demonstrable applied expertise of project delivery in ecological/botanical monitoring, biodiversity enhancement projects, estate management, and innovative conservation delivery.
• Proven experience of project delivery of INNS/Biodiversity or Ecology projects.
• Experience managing delivery of technical work via sub-contracted consultancy teams.
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and management.
• Experience of managing and mentoring a small team.
• Great communicator and ability to engage and deliver complex presentations in a clear and concise way to a variety of senior, technical, non-technical and public audiences.
• Ability / willingness to travel across the region regularly (weekly) to attend site visits and meetings.

Package

This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between one of our offices, sites and home.  We are offering a salary of circa £55,000 s well as other benefits including:

• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year 
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications  
• Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

Join our Environment & Innovation team and see how far your career could progress with a company committed to career progression, training and development opportunities, our customers and the environment.

Does this opportunity excite you but you're not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? We will also be hiring a range of other Biodiversity Specialists across the team so please apply if you are interested in these types on roles. 

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That's why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you'll become part of our incident support team. During your interview, your manager will speak to you about any incident support rotas that apply to your position.

Privacy Statement:

Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your Manager is aware of your application.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AC1

• Leading and delivering high-impact ecology and biodiversity projects.
• Managing complex projects from start to finish.
• Collaborating with colleagues to support the delivery of larger projects.
• Production of fee quotations, client liaison and management of budgets.

• Independent day-to-day management of complex projects.
• Delivery of particularly large and/or complex projects.
• Supporting other members of the Nature Team by writing reports and proposals.
• Training and mentoring junior members of the Nature Team.
• Line management of Principals or Seniors within the Nature Team.
• Contributing as a member of larger project teams (both within the Nature Team and the wider Greengage team).
• Attendance at client meetings and/or project meetings.
• Undertaking surveys and assessments as appropriate to your role.
• Independently writing complex reports.
• Contributing to business development and sales.
• Contributing to defining, developing and delivering annual forecast and associated budget for the department.

• Graduate (MSc desirable) in a relevant scientific degree (ecology, biology, environmental science or similar).
• Full member of CIEEM (or equivalent) .

• Highly organised and motivated.
• Working knowledge of IT (Microsoft office programmes including Word and Excel).
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Enthusiastic about nature conservation.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Client care experience and skills.
• Accomplished in project management, communication, and health and safety.
• Expected to maintain an understanding of contemporary best practice and approaches and seek to deliver constant improvement in service delivery.

• Botany and habitat identification.
• PEA survey and report preparation.
• Bat survey, including survey design and approach, call identification, bat ecology and behaviour, and mitigation, compensation and enhancement approaches.
• Herpetofauna survey, including survey design and approach, call identification, reptile and GCN ecology and behaviour, and mitigation, compensation and enhancement approaches.
• An accomplished understanding of at least one other group of species as above points, but a strong understanding of all protected species legislation and survey approaches, including dormice, badgers, invertebrates, birds and plants.
• Protected species mitigation licence preparation - must at least have accomplished understanding of bat licencing.
• HRA and appropriate assessment.
• Ecological Impact Assessment.
• BREEAM land use and ecology credit assessment.
• Desirable to hold protected species licences for bats, GCN or other species.

• BNG baselining, including botanical identification and habitat classification.
• A detailed understanding of how the Statutory Biodiversity Metric functions.
• Understanding how GIS can be used to optimise these approaches but not necessarily be skilled to undertake GIS mapping.
• BNG legislation and policy, including future trends and contemporary interpretation of best practice.
• BNG optimisation through habitat action.
• BNG habitat banking principles and approaches for offsetting.
• Principles of River MoRPh assessment (although may not hold accreditation).
• Production of BGPs, LEMPs and HMMPs.
• Preparation of ecological management plans following contemporary best practice.

• Competitive salary package with potential for a discretionary bonus.
• 23 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Training and development programs to help you thrive in your career.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Hybrid working, including an option to work from abroad for a set period each year.
• Enhanced family policies.
• Two volunteer days a year, to give back to the community.
• Opportunities to shape industry best practice, through professional body working groups and initiatives such as NextGen.
• Online benefits including shopping and leisure discounts, health and wellbeing services, 24hr GP appointments, gym membership and more.
• Regular socials.

Job Title: Associate 

Nature Team: Ecology/Biodiversity

Salary: £50,000 – £62,000 depending on experience 

The role

We're looking for a motivated Associate to deliver projects, ensuring positive outcomes for nature whilst supporting client needs and meeting fee targets. This includes: 

• Leading and delivering high-impact ecology and biodiversity projects.
• Managing complex projects from start to finish.
• Collaborating with colleagues to support the delivery of larger projects.
• Production of fee quotations, client liaison and management of budgets. 

Our primary purpose is to ensure that biodiversity is not just protected from harm through development and other land management actions, but is actively enhanced, above and beyond minimum policy and legislative requirements.

Responsibilities 

• Independent day-to-day management of complex projects.
• Delivery of particularly large and/or complex projects.
• Supporting other members of the Nature Team by writing reports and proposals.
• Training and mentoring junior members of the Nature Team.
• Line management of Principals or Seniors within the Nature Team.
• Contributing as a member of larger project teams (both within the Nature Team and the wider Greengage team).
• Attendance at client meetings and/or project meetings.
• Undertaking surveys and assessments as appropriate to your role.
• Independently writing complex reports.
• Contributing to business development and sales.
• Contributing to defining, developing and delivering annual forecast and associated budget for the department.

What we are looking for

Qualifications and accreditations

• Graduate (MSc desirable) in a relevant scientific degree (ecology, biology, environmental science or similar).
• Full member of CIEEM (or equivalent) .

Key attributes

• Highly organised and motivated. 
• Working knowledge of IT (Microsoft office programmes including Word and Excel).
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Enthusiastic about nature conservation.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Client care experience and skills.
• Accomplished in project management, communication, and health and safety.
• Expected to maintain an understanding of contemporary best practice and approaches and seek to deliver constant improvement in service delivery.

Ecology skills and knowledge

Must be accomplished in the following areas:

• Botany and habitat identification.
• PEA survey and report preparation.
• Bat survey, including survey design and approach, call identification, bat ecology and behaviour, and mitigation, compensation and enhancement approaches.
• Herpetofauna survey, including survey design and approach, call identification, reptile and GCN ecology and behaviour, and mitigation, compensation and enhancement approaches.
• An accomplished understanding of at least one other group of species as above points, but a strong understanding of all protected species legislation and survey approaches, including dormice, badgers, invertebrates, birds and plants.
• Protected species mitigation licence preparation - must at least have accomplished understanding of bat licencing.
• HRA and appropriate assessment.
• Ecological Impact Assessment.
• BREEAM land use and ecology credit assessment.
• Desirable to hold protected species licences for bats, GCN or other species.

Biodiversity skills and knowledge

Must be accomplished in the following areas:

• BNG baselining, including botanical identification and habitat classification.
• A detailed understanding of how the Statutory Biodiversity Metric functions.
• Understanding how GIS can be used to optimise these approaches but not necessarily be skilled to undertake GIS mapping.
• BNG legislation and policy, including future trends and contemporary interpretation of best practice.
• BNG optimisation through habitat action.
• BNG habitat banking principles and approaches for offsetting.
• Principles of River MoRPh assessment (although may not hold accreditation).
• Production of BGPs, LEMPs and HMMPs.
• Preparation of ecological management plans following contemporary best practice.

What we offer

At Greengage, you'll be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your unique perspectives and ideas. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow, learn and make a real impact.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive salary package with potential for a discretionary bonus.
• 23 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Training and development programs to help you thrive in your career.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Hybrid working, including an option to work from abroad for a set period each year. 
• Enhanced family policies.  
• Two volunteer days a year, to give back to the community.
• Opportunities to shape industry best practice, through professional body working groups and initiatives such as NextGen.
• Online benefits including shopping and leisure discounts, health and wellbeing services, 24hr GP appointments, gym membership and more.
• Regular socials.

About Greengage

Our vision at Greengage is simple, to live in a more sustainable world. 

Through leadership, innovation and collaboration, we enable the delivery of resilient places for today and tomorrow.

Sustainability is the greatest issue of our time. But how do you put it into practice? How do you achieve net zero… become climate resilient… create a circular building… measure social value… protect nature? Becoming truly sustainable is complex and challenging. It requires radical reinvention. New technologies. Close collaboration. Specialist know-how. And that's where we come in. 

We're an award-winning team of consultants with expertise across the full spectrum of sustainability. Sustainability matters more than ever. We have the knowledge and experience to help businesses transform and thrive.

Together we make the world a better place, so come and join us!

Please send all CV's to

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
Location: Castle Quay, Banbury
Contract: Permanent
Salary/Grade: 68,930 - 73,320.50 / Grade M
Closing Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025, 23:59

Sellick Partnership is proud to be working in partnership with Cherwell District Council to recruit an experienced, dynamic Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan, accelerating progress towards net zero, and embedding climate action across all council operations. You'll also lead on building climate resilience, particularly around flood risk, and champion biodiversity across the district. We're looking for a confident, credible and courageous leader who can challenge constructively, influence at all levels, and drive change where it's needed. You'll be climate and carbon literate, with a deep understanding of government priorities, policy frameworks, and climate governance.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director for Place & Regeneration, you will lead a small, capable team including early-career professionals, working across climate policy, sustainability, biodiversity, and flood risk management. You'll be responsible for:

• Leading the delivery of Cherwell's Climate Change Strategy and Climate Action Plan
• Embedding climate action into planning, investment, procurement, and service delivery
• Driving forward climate resilience initiatives, including flood risk mitigation and adaptation
• Building strong partnerships across Oxfordshire and beyond to deliver collaborative climate solutions
• Championing community engagement and inclusive climate communication

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on climate change, carbon reduction, resilience, and biodiversity across the Council and district
• Manage staff performance and development, supporting a small team and enabling wider delivery through cross-service collaboration
• Integrate climate action into council operations, budgets, and long-term investment decisions
• Lead on budget planning and resource allocation to support climate priorities
• Brief and advise portfolio holders and senior stakeholders, ensuring climate action remains a strategic priority
• Represent Cherwell at regional and national forums, influencing policy and promoting the Council's climate priorities
• Secure and manage external funding to support climate innovation and delivery
• Act as the Council's lead advisor on sustainability, net zero, adaptation, and resilience
• Promote accessible and inclusive communication to engage communities in climate action

About You

We're looking for a confident, ambitious leader with credibility and drive to deliver meaningful change. You will bring:

• Senior-level experience in climate policy, carbon reduction, or environmental sustainability within a complex organisation (local authority experience is advantageous)
• A strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-impact climate projects
• In-depth knowledge of UK climate legislation, government priorities, flood risk, and low-carbon planning
• The ability to challenge constructively, influence decision-makers, and build buy-in across diverse stakeholder groups
• Proven ability to build partnerships, engage stakeholders, and secure external funding
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• A degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Sustainability, Environmental Science); a Masters is desirable

What's in it for You?

This is more than just a job - it's a chance to be at the forefront of climate leadership in local government. In this senior leadership position, you'll have visibility and influence across the Council and wider region, operating in a high-profile, strategic role where your expertise will directly shape policy, delivery, and community impact. You'll be part of a directorate that is being prioritised and invested in, giving you the platform and support to drive meaningful change. You'll benefit from opportunities to build a strong professional network through regional and national forums, while working in a dynamic environment where innovation and challenge are welcomed. This is a role for someone who wants to make a tangible difference, not only within the organisation, but across communities and the climate agenda.

In return, Cherwell offer a competitive package and a culture that supports your wellbeing and development, including:

• 33 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Local Government Pension Scheme (15.9% employer contribution)
• Electric Vehicle and cycle-to-work salary sacrifice schemes
• Annual flu vaccination and 25 eye test reimbursement
• Incremental pay awards (awarded annually in April after one year of service)
• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements
• Town centre offices in Banbury, close to transport links and amenities

How to Apply

You can visit our microsite to find out more and apply: (url removed)/ or for a confidential conversation, please contact Nikki Kinsey at Sellick Partnership.

A CV and personal statement (max 2,500 words) is required from each candidate. This should outline your suitability for the role, including relevant skills, qualities, and experience, with reference to the criteria set out in the job description.

Closing date: Sunday 19 October 2025, 23:59

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.