At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead agricultural soils management for HS2, ensuring best practices and environmental compliance.
- Company: Join a major infrastructure programme shaping the UK's future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, 25 days holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with significant technical influence and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable infrastructure and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in agricultural soils management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist to join one of Europe's largest and most complex infrastructure programmes – HS2. This high-profile role sits at the centre of a nationally significant project, providing technical leadership and subject matter expertise across all aspects of agricultural soils management, primarily supporting the four main civil engineering works contracts.
Reporting to the Head of Natural Environment, you will lead on the excavation, handling, storage, restoration and reinstatement of agricultural soils across the programme. You will play a critical role in ensuring industry best practice, environmental compliance and technical excellence are consistently embedded throughout project delivery. This position offers the opportunity to influence strategy, standards and operational delivery on one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure schemes, working closely with multidisciplinary teams, principal contractors, environmental specialists and senior stakeholders.
Key Challenges
- Balancing soil nutrient requirements with ecological and environmental objectives
- Preventing and mitigating soil degradation caused by construction vehicles and heavy plant
- Reinstating land to its original Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) standard
- Acting as the lead soils SME across Europe's largest infrastructure project spanning a significant geographical area
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the programme's lead Subject Matter Expert for agricultural soils management
- Provide technical leadership on the excavation, handling, storage and reinstatement of agricultural soils
- Develop, maintain and continuously improve technical standards, specifications and guidance documentation
- Deliver technical assurance and governance relating to soil handling, restoration and land reinstatement activities
- Support project delivery teams and supply chain partners in implementing best practice across construction sites
- Undertake technical reviews, assessments, analysis and reporting to support programme decision-making
- Investigate issues, identify root causes and recommend practical, evidence-based solutions
- Promote continuous improvement, innovation and quality standards across the programme
- Support wider agriculture, forestry and land management activities associated with major infrastructure delivery
- Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, communicating complex technical matters clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
About You
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
- Extensive experience operating as an Agricultural Soils Specialist or Subject Matter Expert within major infrastructure, environmental or land management projects
- Ideally Membership of the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) or equivalent relevant professional experience
- Strong technical knowledge of soil handling, storage, restoration and reinstatement processes on large-scale infrastructure projects
- Proven experience undertaking Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) surveys
- Experience developing and implementing Soil Resource Plans
- Demonstrable experience leading agriculture, forestry and soils management activities within a major project environment or large organisation
- Strong analytical, investigative and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to interpret technical data and provide robust assurance
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all organisational levels
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a nationally significant infrastructure programme in a senior technical leadership role. You will have the opportunity to shape best practice, influence environmental outcomes and contribute directly to the successful delivery of one of the UK's most complex and high-profile engineering programmes. The role offers a highly collaborative environment, significant technical influence and the chance to leave a lasting legacy on a landmark infrastructure project. If you are passionate about agricultural soils management and want to play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable infrastructure at scale, we would welcome your application.
Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist in London employer: Charlton Recruitment
Join a leading infrastructure programme where your expertise as a Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist will be valued and impactful. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a 12% pension and 25 days holiday, and the flexibility of hybrid working from Birmingham or London Euston, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that prioritises professional growth and innovation. This role not only offers the chance to influence best practices in agricultural soils management but also allows you to contribute to one of the UK's most ambitious projects, leaving a lasting legacy in sustainable infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your expertise in agricultural soils management aligns with their goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience as an Agricultural Soils Specialist. Focus on relevant projects and skills that align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise in soil management and your ability to lead technical teams.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical knowledge. Mention any relevant certifications or memberships, like the British Society of Soil Science, and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Soils Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of agricultural soils management. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques for excavation, handling, and restoration. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry standards and best practices, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced project outcomes or improved processes. Highlight your communication skills, especially when dealing with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth questions about soil handling and restoration processes. Review your previous projects and be ready to discuss challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the results. This is your chance to showcase your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the HS2 programme and its environmental objectives. Be ready to discuss how your role as a Subject Matter Expert can contribute to sustainable infrastructure delivery. Showing that you understand the project's significance will set you apart from other candidates.
