Location
Surrey/Hampshire Portfolio | Hybrid role combining office-based work with regular site inspections and stakeholder engagement

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
The Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Manager (GIBM) is an exciting new role requiring a flexible candidate with excellent greenspace, contract management and people skills. Working alongside the Divisional Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Manager (DGIBM), you will deliver sector-leading greenspace and habitat management across a defined geographic area. This hybrid role involves spending approximately four days per week on site visiting locations, monitoring contractor performance, assessing landscape quality, inspecting habitats and environmental assets, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

You will manage a portfolio of greenspaces, public open spaces and associated environmental assets, ensuring landscapes, habitats, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) features, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and other greenspace infrastructure are maintained to a high standard in accordance with approved management plans, planning obligations and company objectives. Acting as the primary on-site representative, you will build positive relationships with residents, contractors, developers and stakeholders, responding to queries and resolving concerns effectively.

Your responsibilities include specifying remedial works, monitoring contractor performance, scrutinising completed works, and controlling expenditure. You will support the review and development of landscape specifications, management plans, site budgets and maintenance programmes. The role also involves undertaking pre-handover inspections of new developments, auditing landscape installations, habitat creation areas, SuDS features, public open spaces and ecological enhancements to ensure compliance with approved plans, planning conditions, Section 106 obligations and BNG requirements before acceptance into management.

Where sites are subject to Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, you will support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and long-term environmental objectives. Regular travel across your designated area will be required, along with occasional attendance at company offices, training events, meetings and industry activities. You may also provide support to neighbouring areas when required.

Key responsibilities include delivering high-quality greenspace, biodiversity and estate services; ensuring compliance with inspection regimes and statutory requirements; managing contracts; undertaking audits and inspections; maintaining accurate records; liaising with stakeholders; supporting community engagement activities; assisting with procurement and business development; providing technical advice; and undertaking ongoing training and development.

Experience
- Passion for greenspace, biodiversity and nature recovery
- Knowledge of landscape, habitat and environmental management through education and/or practical experience
- Experience managing landscape, grounds maintenance or estate management contractors
- Experience auditing new developments and open space handovers
- Experience undertaking site inspections and identifying defects and maintenance requirements
- Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, habitat management and reporting requirements
- Knowledge of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) management and maintenance
- Understanding of planning compliance, Section 106 obligations and development adoption processes

About You
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple sites and priorities
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital inspection/reporting systems
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, management plans and technical reports
- Ability to build positive relationships with residents, contractors, developers and other stakeholders

Qualifications
- Qualification in horticulture, landscape management, ecology, environmental management or a related discipline
- Minimum of Level 3 or Higher IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent health and safety qualification)
- Good plant identification and horticultural knowledge
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Landscape Institute or CIEEM) is desirable

Please note: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.