Location: East Midlands (hybrid working available)
Reports to: Director of Green Growth & Climate Resilience
Political Restriction: Yes
Lead nature recovery and climate resilience at a regional scale
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is at the forefront of regional transformation, unlocking significant investment through our devolution deal and delivering an ambitious agenda for inclusive growth, sustainability and opportunity.
We are now seeking an exceptional Head of Climate Resilience & Nature to lead one of our most important commitments: the establishment and delivery of a regional Nature & Biodiversity Task Force.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the environmental future of the East Midlands—embedding nature recovery, biodiversity and climate resilience at the heart of growth and place-making.
About the role
You will lead the development and delivery of EMCCA’s Nature & Biodiversity Task Force—bringing together partners across local government, industry and the environmental sector to drive meaningful, long-term change.
Working closely with the Mayor, senior leaders and regional partners, you will define a clear strategic direction for nature recovery and ensure it is embedded across transport, housing, economic development and net zero priorities.
You will operate in a complex and high-profile environment, influencing policy, securing investment, and leading programmes that deliver tangible environmental and social impact.
Key responsibilities
* Lead the design, establishment and delivery of the East Midlands Nature & Biodiversity Task Force
* Develop and implement region-wide biodiversity and climate resilience strategies and action plans
* Provide expert advice to the Mayor, Board and senior leadership on environmental policy and priorities
* Work with local, regional and national partners to shape policy and secure funding
* Align and support delivery of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) across the region
* Champion nature-based solutions, including natural flood management and climate adaptation
* Drive biodiversity-friendly and inclusive growth policies across EMCCA’s programmes
* Identify and deliver opportunities for carbon sequestration and net zero co-benefits
* Lead innovation in green finance and funding models for climate and nature projects
* Promote and develop green skills and workforce opportunities
* Build strong partnerships across public, private and third sectors
* Oversee programme delivery, governance, financial management and performance reporting
About you
We’re looking for a strategic leader with a strong track record of delivering environmental or nature-based programmes at scale.
You will bring:
* Proven experience leading the delivery of nature, biodiversity or environmental strategies
* Experience operating in complex, high-profile stakeholder or political environments
* Strong programme leadership skills, with the ability to deliver large-scale initiatives at pace
* Deep knowledge of biodiversity policy, environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks
* Experience of building and leading cross-sector partnerships
* Strong financial and commercial awareness, including funding and investment approaches
* Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
* Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
Qualifications
* Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field
Our values
* Lifting our region – delivering long-term benefits for people and places
* Working together – building strong and effective partnerships
* Making an impact – turning strategy into meaningful outcomes
* Being human – valuing diversity and authentic engagement
* Shape the future of nature recovery and climate resilience across a major UK region
* Work directly with the Mayor and senior leaders on high-profile priorities
* Lead innovative approaches to green finance, skills and environmental delivery
* Be part of a mission-driven organisation committed to long-term impact
* Play a key role in delivering the Regional Growth Plan and net zero ambitions
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