Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Manager

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Woodland Trust

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Remote

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The Woodland Trust is looking for a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Manager to lead the development and delivery of BNG projects across the Woodland Trust estate, including identifying and managing on-site opportunities and habitat banks.

The Role:

  • Build and manage relationships with local authorities, partners, and internal teams to unlock BNG opportunities aligned with our Create and Restore goals.
  • Coordinate BNG activities and governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, robust delivery frameworks, and effective reporting across the organisation.
  • Provide technical, ecological, and project management support to internal teams, including site assessments, due diligence, and monitoring.
  • Develop and implement a strategic, Trust-wide approach to BNG, supporting consistency, best practice, and alignment with our monitoring and evaluation principles.
  • Support external affairs and policy teams with technical input on planning matters and champion the Trust’s position on BNG in external forums.
  • Manage budgets, secure development leads in collaboration with the Corporate Partnerships team, and lead on partnership and agreement development for BNG delivery.
  • This is a 36-month fixed term contract
  • This is a homeworking role with travel across a wide area, sometimes to remote locations. Overnight stays may be required which may be at least once per month.

The Candidate:

  • You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count
  • Strong ecology background with practical experience delivering Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and the ability to act as a ‘Competent Person’ representing the Trust.
  • In-depth knowledge of BNG policy, legislation, and the Defra metric, with experience preparing Habitat Management & Monitoring Plans and costing project delivery.
  • Proven project management and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing internal and external partners to embed best practice.
  • Experience working with the development sector and ideally with local authority planning departments, supported by a relevant professional network.
  • Understanding of land rights, liabilities, and environmental policy, with the ability to deliver community benefits through BNG and conservation projects.
  • Willingness to travel across the UK, including remote locations, with a full driving licence and flexibility for occasional overnight stays.

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

  • Enhanced Employer Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
  • Generous Annual Leave - 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
  • Buy and Sell Annual Leave
  • Enhanced Parental Pay
  • Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed.

Make sure that you complete the Personal Statement to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI): We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.

For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.