Job Introduction
Head of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
(a.k.a. The Person Who Makes Nature Count — Properly)
Hybrid/flexible location — we’ll consider candidates anywhere in the UK
If spreadsheets, habitats and planning policy all coexist peacefully in your brain… we should definitely talk.
Biodiversity Net Gain isn’t the polite paragraph at the back of the report anymore — it’s centre stage. We’re looking for a BNG leader who can shape strategy, guide clients, mentor teams, and still enjoy a spirited discussion about habitat condition scores.
You’ll know the statutory biodiversity metric inside out. You’ll understand how planning really works. And you’ll be able to translate complex ecological requirements into solutions that are commercially sound, practically deliverable and genuinely good for nature.
You’ll be the go-to expert. The calm head in the meeting. The one who knows when 10% means… at least 10%.
What You’ll Lead (and Occasionally Nerd Out Over)
You’ll shape and deliver BNG services across diverse development projects — from early feasibility to long-term habitat management:
Leading the planning and delivery of BNG strategies across a varied project portfolio
Acting as technical authority for BNG — ensuring compliance, quality and commercial robustness
Overseeing biodiversity assessments, modelling and metric calculations (yes, that metric)
Providing clear, solutions-focused advice to clients, LPAs and stakeholders — no jargon fog
Reviewing and quality-assuring BNG and ecological outputs across the team
Identifying growth opportunities, supporting bids and helping shape future services
Building partnerships with landowners, habitat banks and delivery partners (nature doesn’t deliver itself)
Line managing, mentoring and developing ecology and BNG colleagues
Making balanced decisions that keep projects moving and people supported
Promoting high standards of health, safety and wellbeing
Communicating confidently with everyone from planners to policy-makers
You’ll Probably Love This Role If…
You enjoy leading — without hovering
You thrive where ecology, planning and commercial reality intersect
You can zoom out to strategy and zoom in to detail
You believe collaboration beats confrontation
You take your work seriously (but not yourself)
What You’ll Bring
You don’t need to be perfect — but you will bring depth, credibility and confidence:
A degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
Strong understanding of BNG legislation, policy and real-world planning application
Proven experience delivering BNG using the statutory biodiversity metric
Solid knowledge of ecological legislation and planning policy
Experience preparing and reviewing ecological and BNG technical reports
The ability to manage multiple projects without dropping the important balls
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
A track record of building effective cross-team and external relationships
Professional Extras (The Helpful Badges)
Full CIEEM membership (or working towards)
CEcol and/or CEnv (advantageous)
Species survey/mitigation licences and/or postgraduate qualifications (also advantageous)
Full UK manual driving licence
Why This Role Is Different (Without Saying “Better”)
You’ll be trusted to lead. Encouraged to innovate. Supported to build something meaningful.
Here, BNG isn’t an afterthought. Ecology has a genuine seat at the table. Good ideas are welcomed — wherever they come from.
You’ll work with people who care about quality, value collaboration and believe the best outcomes come from doing things properly and pragmatically.
If you want to shape how Biodiversity Net Gain is delivered — not just respond to it — we’d love to hear from you.
Because nature deserves more than box-ticking.
And so do you.