Head of Arboriculture in Royston

Your new company is a respected, UK‑based ecological and environmental consultancy known for delivering high‑quality ecological, arboricultural and environmental advice across a wide range of development sectors. They support projects in residential development, renewable energy, infrastructure, commercial estates, leisure, utilities and conservation land management. The organisation operates with a strong focus on scientific integrity, technical excellence and pragmatic, solution‑focused advice for clients. With a growing pipeline of arboricultural and ecological work, they are expanding their senior leadership team and are now seeking a Head of Arboriculture to lead and shape its national arboricultural function. You will be joining a collaborative multi‑disciplinary environment that brings together ecologists, arboriculturists, landscape specialists and environmental planners. My client is committed to professional development, innovation and fostering a culture where expertise is valued and progression is encouraged.

Your new role involves leading the arboricultural discipline across the company, overseeing technical delivery, team development, client management and strategic growth. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of arboricultural advice across a diverse project portfolio while also playing an influential role in shaping service direction and expanding capabilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing senior technical leadership on all arboricultural matters, including BS5837:2012 assessments, risk inspections and strategic advice.
• Leading and growing the arboricultural team: mentoring staff, providing training and supporting workload planning.
• Overseeing the production and quality of technical reports, impact assessments, method statements and monitoring schedules.
• Working closely with ecology, planning and environmental teams to deliver integrated, multi‑disciplinary solutions.
• Managing client relationships and representing the company as a senior specialist at meetings, hearings and workshops.
• Driving improvements in technical standards, methodologies, reporting and service efficiency.
• Supporting with business development, tender submissions, fee proposals and long‑term service planning.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, best practice and professional standards.
• Leading on complex or sensitive projects requiring high‑level arboricultural judgement.

This is a hybrid leadership role that combines project oversight, team management and client engagement. UK travel will be required depending on project locations.

What you’ll need to succeed:

Essential requirements:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Arboriculture, Forestry or a closely related environmental discipline.
• Extensive experience delivering arboricultural consultancy services, including BS5837:2012 surveys and assessments.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing, mentoring or developing teams.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex or high‑profile arboricultural projects.
• Excellent technical knowledge of UK tree legislation, planning policy and arboricultural best practice.
• High standards of report writing, data quality and project documentation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with clients, regulators and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Ability to adopt a pragmatic, proportionate and commercially aware approach to technical challenges.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable:

• Professional membership: e.g., Chartered Arboriculturist (MICFor) or similar.
• Lantra Professional Tree Inspector accreditation.
• Competency in GIS or CAD packages such as QGIS or AutoCAD.
• Experience contributing to business strategy, service development or team expansion initiatives.

What you’ll get in return:

My client offers a supportive, forward‑thinking working environment with a strong commitment to wellbeing, professional development and long‑term career growth. You can expect:

• Competitive salary and leadership‑level benefits package.
• Enhanced annual leave and additional service‑related leave.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Professional membership funding and protected CPD.
• Private medical insurance.
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing and lifestyle benefits.
• Clear progression pathways and opportunities to shape a growing discipline.
• Supportive, collaborative culture across ecology, arboriculture and environmental teams.

If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.