Associate Biodiversity Net Gain Lead

Lucion Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking an Associate - Biodiversity Net Gain Lead to oversee BNG services across diverse projects. This role requires a degree in ecology or a related field, strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and proven experience in managing biodiversity assessments. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of BNG legislation and be able to lead a team effectively, driving business growth through new opportunities. This is a permanent position based in Manchester.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in managing BNG and ecological assessments.
• Strong understanding of ecological legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain services.
• Act as technical authority for BNG.
• Oversee biodiversity data assessment and modelling.

Skills

Biodiversity Net Gain legislation understanding

Project management

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Ecological report preparation

Education

Degree in Ecology or Environmental Science

Job description

Associate - Biodiversity Net Gain Lead

Job Introduction

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) services across a diverse portfolio of development projects;
• Act as the technical authority for BNG, ensuring high-quality, compliant and commercially robust ecological and BNG outcomes for clients.
• Oversee the assessment, modelling and interpretation of biodiversity data using the statutory biodiversity metric and supporting software and guidance to determine appropriate BNG outcomes, delivery mechanisms and long‑term management solutions.
• Provide clear, solutions‑focused and commercially sound advice to clients, local planning authorities and stakeholders on BNG requirements, risks and opportunities.
• Undertake quality assurance and technical review of BNG and ecological outputs produced by the wider team, ensuring consistency with legislation, policy and best practice.
• Drive business growth by identifying new BNG‑related opportunities, developing service offerings, preparing tenders and bids, and proactively engaging with new and existing clients.
• Support the development of BNG markets and partnerships, including landowners, habitat banks and delivery partners.
• Line manage, coach and mentor ecology and BNG staff, supporting professional development and building internal BNG capability.
• Make timely, well‑informed decisions that balance project delivery, team capacity and client needs.
• Promote and model high standards of health, safety and wellbeing in line with company procedures.
• Communicate clearly, professionally and collaboratively with colleagues, clients, local authorities, statutory bodies and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Degree in ecology, environmental science or a related discipline, or demonstrable equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, policy and guidance, and its application within the planning system.
• Proven experience in the assessment, delivery and management of BNG, including use of the statutory biodiversity metric.
• Sound knowledge of ecological legislation and planning policy relating to nature conservation and development.
• Experience preparing and reviewing ecological and BNG technical reports.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, working effectively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels.

Professional Memberships and Additional Requirements

• Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) (or working towards).
• Chartered Ecologist (CEcol) and/or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status advantageous.
• Species survey and mitigation licences and/or postgraduate qualifications advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence (manual).

• Job Reference: lucion / TP / 7969 / 670
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Closing Date: 21 February, 2026
• Job Category: Ecology & Arboriculture
• Business Unit: Environmental Sustainability Compliance
• Location: Manchester, London, Bristol or Leeds, United Kingdom
• Posted on: 19 December, 2025

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