Biodiversity Strategy & Conservation Lead – Hybrid

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

26 days annual leave (30 with service)

Pension scheme (AON)

Annual medical assessments

Health & lifestyle benefits

Performance-related pay

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a Biodiversity & Conservation Manager to lead a specialist team of ecologists and biodiversity professionals, shaping environmental strategy across our region. You will oversee biodiversity commitments, manage budgets and external consultants, and collaborate with regulators to embed nature recovery and environmental stewardship in decision making.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across land, habitats and conservation sites, reporting on

Qualifications

• Experience in biodiversity, ecology, conservation or environmental management.
• Experience leading specialist technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience managing environmental compliance and regulatory obligations.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements.
• Experience delivering biodiversity programmes, budgets and managing consultants.
• Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Environmental Management or related discipline.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of biodiversity, ecology and conservation specialists.
• Provide strategic oversight of biodiversity, ecological and heritage compliance activities across Thames Water.
• Shape strategies, standards and policies to embed nature recovery and environmental stewardship across the business.
• Deliver a large programme of biodiversity commitments including WINEP projects and Biodiversity Performance Commitment.
• Oversee programmes to manage INNS and strengthen resilience across assets.
• Build relationships with regulators including Natural England and Environment Agency.
• Manage biodiversity-related risks and coordinate with operational, asset management and capital delivery teams.
• Oversee biodiversity reporting, assurance activities and environmental performance measures.
• Support management and enhancement of Thames Water's landholdings, habitats and conservation sites.
• Manage specialist consultants, contractors and programme budgets.
• Influence senior stakeholders and manage challenging conversations.
• Drive continuous improvement and environmental stewardship across the organisation.

Skills

Biodiversity management

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

BNG knowledge

Budget & contract management

Communication skills

Full UK driving licence

Education

Ecology/Environmental Science/Conservation/Environmental Management degree

Job description

Thames Water is seeking a Biodiversity & Conservation Manager to lead a specialist team of ecologists and biodiversity professionals, shaping environmental strategy across our region. You will oversee biodiversity commitments, manage budgets and external consultants, and collaborate with regulators to embed nature recovery and environmental stewardship in decision making.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across land, habitats and conservation sites, reporting on