Biodiversity & Conservation Manager

Job title Biodiversity & Conservation Manager  Division Strategy & External Affairs Location Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB
Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary Competitive salary of £65,000 - £75,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience. Job grade C Closing date 10/09/2026

Make a lasting impact on the future of nature and conservation.

At Thames Water, we’re committed to protecting and enhancing the environment across thousands of hectares of land, habitats and conservation sites. We’re looking for a passionate and collaborative Biodiversity & Conservation Manager to lead our specialist team of ecologists and biodiversity professionals, helping shape environmental strategy, drive biodiversity improvements and deliver positive outcomes for nature across our region.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how one of the UK’s largest landowners manages and protects its natural assets. You’ll help guide the management of over 250 Sites of Biodiversity Interest, 12 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and 22 nature reserves, making a tangible difference for wildlife and habitats across the Thames Water region. You’ll lead a team of technical specialists, work closely with regulators including the Environment Agency and Natural England, and partner with colleagues across the business to ensure environmental risks are managed, and opportunities for nature recovery are maximised.

Whether your experience comes from water, infrastructure, local government, consultancy or the wider environmental sector, we’d love to hear from you.

• Leading, coaching and developing a team of biodiversity, ecology and conservation specialists.
• Providing strategic oversight of biodiversity, ecological and heritage compliance activities across Thames Water.
• Shaping strategies, standards and policies to embed nature recovery and environmental stewardship across the business.
• Accountable for delivering a large programme of biodiversity commitments including several Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) projects and the industry’s Biodiversity Performance Commitment
• Overseeing programmes to manage invasive non-native species (INNS) and strengthen the resilience across our assets.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with regulators including Natural England, the Environment Agency and other key stakeholders.
• Managing biodiversity-related risks and collaborating with operational, asset management and capital delivery teams to embed biodiversity considerations into business decisions.
• Overseeing biodiversity reporting, assurance activities and environmental performance measures.
• Supporting the management and enhancement of Thames Water’s extensive landholdings, habitats and conservation sites.
• Managing specialist consultants, contractors and programme budgets.
• Influencing senior internal and external stakeholders and confidently managing complex or challenging conversations.
• Driving a culture of continuous improvement and environmental stewardship across the organisation.

• Attend our Clearwater Court, Reading office and operational sites 2-3 days per week.

• Experience in biodiversity, ecology, conservation or environmental management.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing specialist technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at all levels.
• Experience managing environmental compliance, risk and regulatory obligations within a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements and implementation.
• Proven experience managing programmes, budgets, consultants and external suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to build trust, influence decisions and navigate challenging conversations.
• A degree, or equivalent experience, in Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Environmental Management or a related discipline.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.