At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering impactful ecological projects across the Midlands.
- Company: Join Keystone Environmental, a pioneering consultancy focused on sustainable land use.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while growing your career in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in ecological contracting or land management is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options with opportunities for professional development and team bonding.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
Keystone Environmental is an Origin Enterprises business, forming part of the Environmental division. At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation. Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.
As a growing ecological and arboricultural consultancy and contracting business, we are an SME with a practical, intelligent and pioneering approach to advising our clients. We blend traditional ecological services with innovation, hands‑on habitat creation, restoration and compliance solutions. With over 24 years’ experience, we have established a reputation as one of the few end‑to‑end service providers in the UK.
The Contracts Manager is a strategic new appointment, responsible for developing and leading a Midlands delivery team, supported by the wider business. The role presents considerable opportunity for growth as this regional hub emerges. We seek a highly‑organised and personable team player, with a ‘can do’ approach and strong attention to detail. As a proactive and driven individual, you will be primarily responsible for actively procuring, organising and delivering a range of land management schemes, whilst adhering to Keystone’s quality assurance standards and risk management procedures.
The ideal candidate will be able to embrace the challenge of delivering existing works, whilst growing our client base in the Midlands. You will therefore need to strategically balance sourcing new opportunities with practical delivery of projects, including but not limited to:
- prospective client networking
- client liaison
- project management
- budgeting
- practical implementation
Through close coordination with the existing team, you will be responsible for logistics, project planning and resourcing. You will lead on quoting and tendering for local works, whilst also supporting the wider Keystone Habitats team in bidding for more complex tenders and opportunities. You will also actively seek joint venture opportunities within the wider Origin Enterprises Group.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Seek and recruit new team members with the support of Origin’s HR team
- Line management and professional development of junior staff
- Contribute to wider business strategy
- Procurement of works including quoting and tendering of large scale projects
- Financial control including budget management & delivery of revenue targets
- Client liaison, project management & administration
- Help to secure repeat and referral work through nurturing of new & existing clients
- Maximise opportunities to win new work from prospective clients including scheduling introductory meetings
Core Requirements:
- Relevant industry experience in ecological contracting or practical land management
- Exceptional communication skills
- Experience in organising and managing a team of operatives
- Ability to identify risks and opportunities
- A proven aptitude for understanding clients’ requirements
- Demonstrable commercial acumen
- Ability to balance and manage priorities
- Solutions led and having an inherent ability to problem solve
- Quoting, tendering and project delivery experience
- Experience in line managing and mentoring junior team members
- Experience in writing site‑specific risk assessments and method statements
- Driving licence (clean) is essential
This is an exciting new role, offering the flexibility to initially work from home whilst supporting the delivery of existing projects. We will establish a locally based team and associated resources, with a clear ambition to create a dedicated Midlands delivery hub for the Keystone Habitats team.
We offer a comprehensive industry‑leading benefits package, which currently includes:
- A supportive, experienced and friendly team
- Competitive salary - £40K+ depending on experience
- 25 days annual leave per annum (plus bank holidays)
- Socials & volunteering days
- Enhanced Company pension
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance
- Company laptop and mobile phone
Contracts Manager - Habitats (Keystone Environmental) in Birmingham employer: Origin Environmental
Contact Detail:
Origin Environmental Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager - Habitats (Keystone Environmental) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the ecological and environmental sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential clients or colleagues on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers or clients, be ready to discuss your past projects and successes. Bring along a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in habitat management and restoration. Let your work speak for itself!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to Keystone Environmental directly through our website and express your interest in joining the team. Share how your skills align with our mission of sustainable land use and how you can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay adaptable! The environmental sector is always evolving, so keep learning and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. This will not only make you a more attractive candidate but also show that you’re committed to innovation and excellence in your field.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager - Habitats (Keystone Environmental) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Contracts Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Keystone Environmental!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications—give us examples of how you've used your skills in real-world situations. Whether it’s project management or client liaison, we love seeing practical applications of your expertise.
Be Personable: We’re looking for a team player with a ‘can do’ attitude! Use your application to convey your personality and how you work well with others. A friendly tone can go a long way in making a great first impression.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets to the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Origin Environmental
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Keystone Environmental's mission and values. Understand their focus on sustainable land use and how your experience aligns with their projects. This will show that you're genuinely interested and can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Contracts Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster collaboration, as this is key to fitting into their close-knit environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about project management and risk assessment. Prepare specific examples where you've identified risks and turned them into opportunities. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the future direction of the Habitats team or how they measure success in their projects. This shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking, making you stand out as a candidate.