Head of Ecology in Petersfield, Hampshire

Job Title: Head of Ecology

Location: Petersfield, Hampshire

Salary: Competitive

Job Type: Permanent / Full time

About Us:

COOMBES UK are a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor, with over 20 years\’ experience and expertise in the Forestry sector. We have forged a strong industry reputation, and we believe we have an unrivalled skill set and peerless knowledge of Forestry work at all levels.

COOMBES play a key role within the Rail industry, providing a whole manner of off-track solutions, and minor civils works, in partnership with Network Rail and other major contractors.

Following recent, significant growth, we currently have some exciting projects underway in woodland management, timber harvesting, rail and civils works across the UK. We have a strong record of achievement and are committed to meeting the growing demands for safe and efficient delivery.

A family-run SME, we believe in working collaboratively and operating as one team. Our success is only achieved through the hard work, dedication and skill of our people. Operating with transparency and integrity in all that we do, we take responsibility for our actions, empowering and supporting each other to be the best, most authentic version of ourselves consistently.

About the role:

As our Head of Ecology, you will lead, develop and deliver an effective Ecology and Environmental strategy which supports our business objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

As our Head of Ecology, you will be responsible for:

• Leading, developing and delivering our Ecology and Environment Strategy – supporting all business objectives
• Develop and deliver a strategic approach to winning work – driving excellence and innovation in our services
• Lead end-to-end process for Ecological bids/tenders (PQQ\’s, submissions, evaluations, etc.) – lending support to other departments as required
• Establish and develop excellent working relationships with existing and new clients, meeting and identifying need to ensure continuation of and future services
• Effectively project manage our Ecological contracts – accountable for the department\’s utilisation, financial performance, and standards of client deliverables, delivering year-on-year financial growth
• Provide best practice advice and recommendations to clients and colleagues, ensuring projects proceed in line with the latest legislation, policy, and industry best practice requirements
• Lead, develop and retain a skilled and proactive Ecology team, championing their continual professional development
• Empower the team to ensure project work is delivered to time, cost, quality and client satisfaction – always in alignment with our company vision and values
• Lead on designing, training, and supporting colleagues in broad aspects of ecological conservation, including protected species/habitat mitigation measures
• Ensure systems, policies and documents are updated as required to support the internal and external audit process, as required
• Build, maintain and develop effective reporting processes/systems in line with external and internal requirement
• Effectively manage the Ecology department budgets, providing cost-analysis, etc.
• Stay up to date with/communicate any changes in environmental legislation – updating company policies and procedures as and when required

About you:

To be successful as our Head of Ecology, we would ideally like you to have the following skills/experience:

• Significant experience in a similar role
• Strong commercial acumen, with previous experience of business development/bid management (including demonstrable success/results)
• Extensive experience of Ecological Project Management from conception to completion (including phase 2 & protected species surveys, including complex sites with multiple protected species and habitats
• Comprehensive, detailed knowledge of current legislation, UK policy and ecological best practice
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing teams
• Extensive experience in report writing, numerical data manipulation and statistical analysis
• Full UK driving license

Benefits:

• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Annual bonus (based on company performance)
• Company pension scheme
• Training opportunities and support with personal/professional development
• Employee Assistance Programme – to support mental/physical health and provide legal/financial advice if required
• Access to online GP service for you/your family 24/7
• Rewards & discounts for retail/leisure & more
• Regular social events like our Summer Family Day & The COOMBESmas (Christmas) party
• Length of service awards to celebrate significant milestones
• Opportunities to support COOMBES Social Value objectives (community volunteering/fundraising, etc.)

Please click the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of Director of Ecological Programs, Chief Ecologist, Ecological Sustainability Lead, Environmental Stewardship Manager, and Ecology and Conservation Director may also be considered.