Head of Land Operations (Reserves) in Ipswich
Head of Land Operations (Reserves)

Head of Land Operations (Reserves) in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time 48645 - 48645 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Suffolk Wildlife Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead land operations to protect and enhance Suffolk's wildlife and habitats.
  • Company: Join Suffolk Wildlife Trust, dedicated to creating a wilder future.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of nature conservation in Suffolk.
  • Qualifications: Experience in land management and strong people skills required.
  • Other info: Permanent role with excellent career development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 48645 - 48645 ÂŁ per year.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior leadership role at Suffolk Wildlife Trust at a crucial point in our journey towards achieving our 2030 strategic goals. With an ambitious vision for “a wilder Suffolk”, the Head of Land Operations will play a vital role in ensuring the Trust’s reserve network is operationally strong, financially secure and well positioned for the future. This is a role with both strategic & practical importance, offering the chance to make a lasting contribution to the protection & recovery of Suffolk’s wildlife and habitats.

Responsibilities

  • The role will lead on supporting the effective management of reserves across the county by providing high-quality operational land management support.
  • This includes overseeing legal and land agency matters, maintaining systems and documentation relating to land holdings, ensuring agreements, licences and permits are in place and retaining oversight of key functions such as grazing, GIS and reserve-related income streams.
  • The post holder will ensure that the operational foundations of the reserve network are robust and well managed to deliver strong outcomes for wildlife while reducing risk and improving long-term resilience.
  • Alongside this, the Head of Land Operations will help future-proof the reserve network by leading on acquisitions and disposals, supporting the development of habitat banks, enabling restoration and habitat creation projects and identifying opportunities that strengthen the network over time.
  • The role also contributes to strategic oversight across the reserves, helping staff understand their part in delivering the Trust’s wider goals, supporting collaboration across leadership teams and driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

  • The post holder must have strong experience in land management, ideally with a good understanding of nature conservation practices, funding schemes and land agency matters such as acquisitions, disposals and leaseholds.
  • You will need budget management experience, the ability to work effectively with partners, landowners and communities and a strong track record of working with teams to improve efficiency and secure funding.
  • Strong people management, organisational, written and IT skills are also essential, along with a positive, adaptable approach, high levels of integrity & determination with a clear commitment to our mission, vision, culture and values.

Working Conditions & Compensation

This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm). We operate flexible homeworking arrangements where colleagues spend more time working together than homeworking. The base of work will be Brooke House and the starting salary will be up to ÂŁ48,645.00 per annum depending on skills, knowledge and experience.

Application Process

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Friday 15 May 2026. The interviews are planned for week commencing 01 June 2026 at Brooke House in Ashbocking.

Head of Land Operations (Reserves) in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful conservation efforts in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a commitment to employee growth and flexible working arrangements, the Trust fosters a culture of innovation and teamwork, empowering staff to make meaningful contributions towards a wilder Suffolk. Located at Brooke House in Ashbocking, employees benefit from a strong sense of community and the chance to work on vital projects that protect and restore local wildlife and habitats.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Contact Detail:

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Land Operations (Reserves) in Ipswich

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation and land management sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Suffolk Wildlife Trust and its mission. Understand their goals for 2030 and think about how your experience aligns with their vision of 'a wilder Suffolk'. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills in land management and conservation during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved budget management or collaboration with partners. Real-life examples will make your application memorable!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Get your application in before the deadline and let’s make a difference together!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Land Operations (Reserves) in Ipswich

Land Management
Nature Conservation Practices
Budget Management
Legal and Land Agency Matters
Operational Management
GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Partnership Development
Community Engagement
Team Leadership
Organisational Skills
Written Communication Skills
IT Skills
Adaptability
Integrity
Determination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Land Operations role. Highlight your land management experience and any relevant conservation practices to show us you’re the right fit!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've improved efficiency, secured funding, or led successful projects in your previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for wildlife and conservation shines through!

Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website by the deadline. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!

How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Wildlife Trust

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your land management knowledge, especially around nature conservation practices and funding schemes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a good fit for the role but also genuinely passionate about the mission.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a senior leadership role, it's crucial to demonstrate your people management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, improved efficiency, or secured funding in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see your potential impact on their organisation.

✨Understand Their Vision

Familiarise yourself with Suffolk Wildlife Trust's 2030 strategic goals and their vision for 'a wilder Suffolk'. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their objectives and how you can contribute to achieving them.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the Trust’s future plans. This shows your interest and engagement, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.

Head of Land Operations (Reserves) in Ipswich
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Location: Ipswich

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