Nature Services Sector Lead - Local Government

We're looking for a strategic and commercially minded Nature Services Sector Lead to drive our Local Government growth agenda and help communities create healthier, more sustainable and resilient places to live and work.

In this role, you'll lead the development of our Nature Services offering across the local government sector, connecting authorities with multidisciplinary expertise that supports planning, regeneration, biodiversity, nature recovery, environmental enhancement and place-making objectives.

Working at the intersection of nature, infrastructure and public policy, you'll play a key role in helping local and combined authorities address some of today's most important environmental and societal challenges.

What you'll be doing

As our Local Government Sector Lead, you will:

• Develop and own the Local Government Sector Plan, identifying market drivers, policy developments, funding opportunities, risks and growth priorities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships across local authorities, combined authorities, partnerships and delivery bodies.

• Identify and prioritise clients and opportunities where our expertise can deliver the greatest value and impact.

• Lead the pursuit of key opportunities, frameworks and strategic commissions, coordinating high-quality bid submissions and compelling client propositions.

• Develop a robust pipeline of future work across planning, regeneration, biodiversity, estate management, green and blue infrastructure and nature recovery programmes.

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to bring together expertise from ecology, biodiversity, aquatic services, arboriculture, planning, transport and environmental disciplines.

• Develop sector-specific propositions that address authority needs in areas such as biodiversity net gain, natural capital, nature-based solutions and environmental improvement.

• Monitor market developments, procurement activity, funding streams and policy changes, sharing insights across the business.

• Support strategic client engagement activities and identify opportunities to deepen and broaden relationships.

• Collaborate with other sector leads to maximise opportunities across wider public sector programmes and initiatives.

• Track progress against sector objectives, ensuring opportunities, challenges and support requirements are visible and actively managed.

What success looks like

Key outputs of the role include:

• A clear and actionable Local Government Sector Plan.

• A prioritised client and stakeholder engagement strategy.

• A strong pipeline of frameworks, projects and funding opportunities.

• High-quality, coordinated bid submissions.

• A compelling sector case-study library demonstrating impact and innovation.

• Regular reporting on sector performance, opportunity conversion and growth activities.

What we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from people who can demonstrate:

• An academic or professional background in ecology, with a strong understanding of ecological principles and their application within the local government sector.

• Knowledge of local government structures, decision-making processes, procurement routes and service priorities.

• Experience developing client relationships and identifying opportunities for growth.

• The ability to translate technical or specialist expertise into practical, client-focused solutions.

• Strong stakeholder engagement, collaboration and influencing skills.

• Experience contributing to or leading bids, frameworks or business development activities.

• An understanding of environmental, planning, biodiversity, nature recovery or related sectors.

You may have developed your experience within a consultancy, local authority, environmental organisation, infrastructure business, public sector body or related environment.

Why join us?

You'll join a collaborative team with the opportunity to influence strategy, drive growth and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes across communities throughout the UK.

This is an opportunity to work alongside specialists from multiple disciplines, helping clients respond to evolving environmental challenges while shaping sustainable places for future generations.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself?

With us, you can. Apply today.

At WSP, we're interested in you, your experience, your potential and the way you think. AI can be a useful tool to support your application and preparation, and our guidance explains how you can use it responsibly throughout our recruitment process. UK Policies | WSP

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