Green Finance Business Lead

Sussex Wildlife Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and Flexible Working

25 Days Annual Leave

Pension Contributions

Life Assurance

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Volunteering Days

Café Discount

Job summary

Sussex Wildlife Trust in Brighton is seeking a Green Finance Business Lead to shape SWT’s Green Finance programme at a pivotal time for nature recovery.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, you will lead the development and delivery of Green Finance opportunities, and build partnerships to bring projects from concept to delivery.

The role offers a fixed-term, 1-year contract, 35 hours per week, with hybrid/ flexible working and opportunities to contribute to SWT’s strategy.

Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build new initiatives.
• Proactive, capable of developing relationships and securing partnerships.
• Excellent project management, organisational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Green Finance opportunities to generate sustainable income.
• Identify and secure commercial opportunities across Biodiversity Net Gain and environmental markets.
• Build and manage a pipeline of projects with internal and external partners.

Job description

Job Title: Green Finance Business Lead

Location: The Keep, Woollards Way, Brighton BN1 9BP

Salary: £36,125

Contract Type: Fixed term - 1 year

Hours: 35 hours per week

Closing Date: 9th October 2026

Interview Date: 20th October 2026

Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT)

To deliver our Strategy for Wildlife , Our Wild Sussex, we are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation. To do this we need an exceptional team with bold and innovative ideas to deliver for local wildlife and wild places.

We are looking for talented people to join our team and help us deliver our strategy. We are keen to hear from you even if you don't have all the skills and experience outlined in the Job Description but have the potential to grow into the role.

So, if you are passionate about a Sussex rich in wildlife for everyone and you have drive, energy and commitment to our values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration and Inclusion.

We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, non-graduates, and people from diverse communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

The Role

This is an opportunity to shape and grow SWT’s Green Finance programme at a pivotal time for nature recovery and environmental investment.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, you will lead the development and delivery of Green Finance opportunities that generate sustainable income whilst supporting our long-term nature objectives. You will be key in identifying, developing and securing commercial opportunities across Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), emerging environmental markets and other nature-based investment opportunities.

This is a highly varied role combining business development, project management, stakeholder and commercial negotiation. You will build and manage a pipeline of opportunities, work closely with colleagues across SWT and develop relationships with public, private and philanthropic partners to bring projects from concept through to delivery.

The Person

This role would suit someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who enjoys building something new. We are looking for a proactive individual who can spot opportunities, develop relationships, overcome obstacles and maintain momentum. If you are energised by creating partnerships, generating income and helping shape a growing area of work with significant potential, we would love to hear from you.

You will be a self-starter who is comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of projects and driving them forward from inception to completion. You will enjoy identifying opportunities, building relationships and developing solutions that create value.

You will have excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, manage competing priorities and deliver results against challenging targets. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, along with the confidence to engage with senior leaders, trustees, businesses, funders and external partners.

You do not need to be an expert in every aspect of Green Finance from day one. However, you will bring curiosity, commercial awareness, drive and the determination to learn quickly in a rapidly evolving sector. Experience of business development, partnership development, environmental markets, and land management or a related field would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Hybrid and Flexible Working- Supporting healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements where role requirements operationally allow.
• 25 Days Annual Leave - Plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years' service; entitlement pro rata part-time.
• Pension Contributions - With an optional salary sacrifice scheme to help maximise your retirement savings.
• Life Assurance - Pension Scheme members receive 2x salary cover; non-members receive 1x salary cover.
• Health Cash Plan - helping towards the cost of everyday healthcare expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - Providing confidential support, advice and wellbeing resources.
• Cycle to Work Scheme - Helping you save money while supporting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
• Volunteering Days - Dedicated two days paid to support causes and communities that matter to you.
• Café Discount - Enjoy discounted food and drinks at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre cafe

For more detailed information see the What we offer page in the Recruitment Pack.