Biodiversity Engagement Lead

We’re building thriving communities as one of the UK’s largest housing groups and a leading developer of affordable housing. We believe everyone is entitled to a good home they can afford, in a place they are proud to live. More than 100,000 people live in our homes. If you want to experience work that’s truly rewarding, join us. Because when we achieve together, customers and communities thrive. Work for Orbit. Believe in people.

Orbit is delighted to be recruiting for a Biodiversity Engagement Lead to join the organisation in supporting our current and future developments to achieve our 2030 strategy goals. The Biodiversity Engagement Lead will play a key role in delivering Orbit's biodiversity ambitions by coordinating and supporting biodiversity and green space initiatives across the organisation. They will ensure that Orbit's commitment to the 30 by 30 pledge is embedded within projects and day-to-day operations, helping to create thriving, resilient landscapes that benefit both nature and communities.

The role will act as the link between biodiversity strategy and practical delivery, working collaboratively with internal teams, external partners, contractors, local authorities, ecological specialists, community organisations and customers to develop, promote and deliver biodiversity projects across Orbit's neighbourhoods. A key aspect of the role is customer engagement, inspiring residents to connect with nature, participate in biodiversity initiatives and help create greener, healthier places to live.

This role will be required to cover all of our geographical regions and will be expected to work from an Orbit office once per month - this can be based out of Coventry, Stratford upon Avon, Norwich, Kent or Erith, and will require a driving license and access to a car, to travel to visit each of our sites quarterly - across all regions. This role is part of Regulatory & Governance where you'll help us give colleagues the support and expertise they need to be brilliant.

What you’ll achieve

• Biodiversity Project Delivery: Coordinate and support the delivery of biodiversity enhancement projects across Orbit's estates and developments. Assist in the implementation of Orbit's Biodiversity Strategy and ensure biodiversity objectives are incorporated into green space management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain positive relationships with internal departments including Estates, Property, Development, Sustainability, Asset Management, Customer Services and Communications. Collaborate with external stakeholders including local authorities, wildlife organisations, environmental charities, contractors, ecological consultants, community groups and educational institutions.
• Customer Engagement: Develop and deliver customer engagement programmes that encourage residents to participate in biodiversity and green space initiatives. Organise community planting days, wildlife surveys, volunteer events, educational workshops and seasonal campaigns.
• Programme Coordination: Coordinate multiple biodiversity projects simultaneously, ensuring activities are delivered on time and within agreed budgets. Monitor project performance.
• Biodiversity Advocacy: Champion biodiversity across Orbit, promoting the importance of nature recovery within decision-making and business operations. Identify opportunities to innovate and continuously improve Orbit's approach to green space management and ecological enhancement.

What you’ll bring

• Essential skills: Experience delivering environmental, biodiversity, conservation or community engagement projects. Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills. Experience working with multiple stakeholders across public, private or voluntary sectors. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical audiences. Strong project management and organisational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple landscapes. Passion for biodiversity, nature recovery and creating sustainable communities. Good understanding of biodiversity principles, habitat management and environmental sustainability.
• Desirable skills: Degree or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Environmental Management, Conservation, Geography or a related discipline. Membership of a relevant professional body. Experience working within housing, local government or land management. Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Local Nature Recovery Strategies and environmental legislation. Experience managing volunteers or community-led environmental projects.

Why Orbit?

Choosing us means being rewarded in every sense. Here’s what you can expect to enjoy with us. A rewarding experience that works for you. We strive to create an inclusive experience with benefits and wellbeing programmes designed to help you, and your loved ones, to thrive. For a better work life balance, we offer flexible working opportunities for many roles. A place to progress. From training programmes to professional qualifications, we provide opportunities to learn and develop at every stage of your career. Whether you’re a student, graduate or experienced professional we’ll support you to grow. For leaders, our tailored development journeys are designed to stretch and strengthen your leadership skills. As well as practical training, we give you access to renowned business schools and experiential programmes for greater breadth and depth of learning. A purpose to feel proud of. We’re proud to make a difference to people together. We’re values-driven with a commercial focus on performance - because the more profit we make, the more we can achieve for people. What brings us together is a passionate belief in progress and people.

How we hire

We aim to make our hiring process simple and fair: Online application, Interview(s), Decision and offer. We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.