Development Manager

The Land Trust; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK charity is seeking a Development Manager to lead the growth of endowment-funded sites and support Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives. This home-based position with travel primarily in the South of England involves managing acquisitions and representing the Trust to promote sustainable community development. Ideal candidates should possess a degree, strong project delivery experience, and excellent communication skills. Salary ranges from £38,000 to £42,000 based on experience, with various benefits available.

Benefits

Salary sacrifice pension scheme

Flexi time

26.5 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Health Care Cashback scheme

Training and Development support

Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years experience delivering environmental projects and/or land acquisition.
• Strong budgeting and project delivery reporting skills.
• Knowledge of SANG and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

Responsibilities

• Lead acquisition and development of new endowment and service charge sites.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects and environmental initiatives.
• Negotiate agreements and oversee due diligence for new projects.

Skills

Environmental project delivery

Partnership building

Communication skills

Budgeting skills

IT proficiency (MS Office)

Education

Degree or relevant professional qualification

Job description

Development Manager

Permanent - F / T - 36hrs pw

Location :

Home based with travel to sites weighted in South of England

The Land Trust is the UKs premier green space management organisation offering outstanding stewardship and delivery for clients, communities and the environment.

We are a charity that provides cost-effective management solutions for open space and green infrastructure.

Purpose of the role

Positioned within the Business Development Team this new role will lead the growth of endowment-funded sites (primarily SANG), support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) initiatives, and explore new nature-based business opportunities nationwide. You’ll manage acquisitions through legal completion and work closely with colleagues, stakeholders, and consultants to deliver on the Trust’s charitable objectives: health, education, environment, community, and economic vitality.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead acquisition and development of new endowment and service charge sites.
• Support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) projects and other environmental initiatives.
• Negotiate agreements and oversee due diligence for new projects.
• Build partnerships and identify opportunities to deliver the Trust’s charitable objectives.
• Represent the Trust regionally and promote sustainable community development.

Essential skills

• Degree or relevant professional qualification.
• Minimum 4 years experience delivering environmental projects and / or land acquisition.
• Strong budgeting and project delivery reporting skills.
• Knowledge of SANG and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
• Proven ability to build partnerships across public, private, and third sectors.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• IT proficiency (MS Office) and ability to work independently and under pressure with tact and confidentiality.

Other relevant information

This position requires the post holder to act flexibly and undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post as directed by the Head of Business Development. Infrequent evening and weekend working may be required, and the post holder will be required to travel as necessary to fulfil their role effectively. Post holder would be able to take Time Off In Lieu and / or make use of the Trust’s Flexi Policy for working above contractual work hours.

Salary & Benefits

• £38,000 - £42,000 depending on experience
• A salary sacrifice pension scheme, with LT matching employee contributions up to 6%
• Flexi time
• 26.5 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays (pro rata). Rising to 31.5 days with service
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Care Cash back scheme (Medicash)
• Training and Development support
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
• Business travel costs will be reimbursed
• Annual performance incentive plan (non-contractual)

Applications

• please apply with a CV and cover letter highlighting why you believe you are ideal for this position.
• Closing date for applications is 23 January 2026, although we may close this earlier if we receive a high volume of applications.
• 1st stage interviews will take place on 30 January 2026 via MS Teams.
• 2nd stage interviews will take place on 5 Feb 2026 either in person or face to face.
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
• Please note we are not accepting applicants via recruitment agencies.

LT is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re‑assignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

The Land Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who has contact with its services and colleagues.