Science Area Manager Biodiversity and Land Use

Are you proactive, people-focused and passionate about driving and shaping change? Do you thrive working independently, building strong relationships, and supporting talented scientists and senior leaders? If so, we want to hear from you! Our Associate Science Director, Hazel Jackson is looking for a Science Area Manager to help steer and energise the Biodiversity & Land Use science area here at UKCEH. 

We are looking for someone thoughtful, organised and keen to learn about our science and the people behind it. Someone who communicates openly, builds trust and understands the value of supporting senior leaders. This role is open to be shaped and crafted to help support how the science area is run and to work closely with Hazel as part of a supportive and collaborative partnership.  

You may have experience as a research support manager, research facilitator or research department manager who is ready to contribute to the effective coordination, planning and development of our science. You’ll be joining a talented community of around 125 colleagues, facing up to and responding to the biodiversity crisis requires data and scientific insights at different scales. Our extensive biodiversity research focuses on species and land-cover monitoring and mapping, ecosystem interactions and environmental change and risks, while capabilities such as the Biological Records Centre provide valuable insights into the distribution of species and how they are changing. The science area also considers how to balance sustainable agricultural practices with biodiversity benefits and uses scenarios and models to explore possible futures. 

As science area manager, you’ll play an important role in ensuring this work is supported, organised and delivered smoothly. You’ll also join a network of science coordinators, contributing to a collaborative and consistent approach to how we manage science across the organisation. 

We’re looking for someone who communicates clearly, works with care and integrity, enjoys building connections across teams, and brings a reflective and supportive mindset to their work. In this role, you’ll help deliver corporate activities, support senior leadership, and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and well‑coordinated environment for our science and our people. 

Your main responsibilities will include:   

• Proactively coordinating and managing the operations of the Biodiversity & Land Use science area in collaboration with the science support team. Provide insights, knowledge, and information to support the Science Area and the Associate Science Director. 
• Significant contributions to business planning and reporting, and lead on reporting against strategic key performance indicators relevant to the Science Area or Associate Science Director. Utilising information from corporate systems to prepare reports, briefings, and analyses to inform decision-making and priorities. 
• Taking responsibility for specific delegated corporate tasks and ensure their effective delivery, working with the Associate Science Director and the Science Directorate Business Manager to meet strategic and organisational needs. 
• Understanding the portfolio of science within Biodiversity & Land Use, its alignment with UKCEH’s science and strategy, and its position within the wider external landscape. Stay informed about relevant funders and funding sources, stakeholder and partnership portfolios, and keep up to date with developments and drivers in the broader landscape. 
• Managing and coordinating communications and networking to foster collaboration within and between Science Areas and disciplines 
• Collaborating with scientists and the Research Development Team to stay informed about key stakeholders and partnership portfolios, delivering and contributing to strategic engagement to advance UKCEH’s strategic ambitions. 
• Line management of staff in the Science Area support team. 

For the role of Science Area Manager, we’re looking for somebody who has the following skills and experience. However, if you don’t meet every requirement but you’re passionate about the role and our science, and you bring some of the skills, enthusiasm, and commitment we’re looking for, we still strongly encourage you to apply: 

• A scientific degree, or equivalent experience, and experience working in a similar role in a scientific research environment.  
• A high-level of expertise and understanding of the wider UK/International research landscape and ability to use this knowledge for organisational benefit.  
• Experience building and managing effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders (UK and internationally).   
• The ability to develop a high-level understanding of systems and processes to translate this into strategic reports and analyses for various audiences. 
• Demonstrated a continuous improvement mindset.  
• Evidence of delivering against multiple priorities across short term-deliverables and longer-term objectives. 

Working for UKCEH is rewarding 

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as: 

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure    
• 10% employer pension contribution   
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)  
• Peer reward and recognition scheme  
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal 
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave   
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...  

Apply today! 

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a letter of interest outlining what inspires you about this role and what you feel you can bring to it. We want to get to know you — your passion, your motivations, and what excites you about being part of our science community 

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.