Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
Location: Castle Quay, Banbury
Contract: Permanent
Salary/Grade: £68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
Closing Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025, 23:59

Sellick Partnership is proud to be working in partnership with Cherwell District Council to recruit an experienced, dynamic Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan, accelerating progress towards net zero, and embedding climate action across all council operations. You'll also lead on building climate resilience, particularly around flood risk, and champion biodiversity across the district. We're looking for a confident, credible and courageous leader who can challenge constructively, influence at all levels, and drive change where it's needed. You'll be climate and carbon literate, with a deep understanding of government priorities, policy frameworks, and climate governance.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director for Place & Regeneration, you will lead a small, capable team including early-career professionals, working across climate policy, sustainability, biodiversity, and flood risk management. You'll be responsible for:

• Leading the delivery of Cherwell's Climate Change Strategy and Climate Action Plan
• Embedding climate action into planning, investment, procurement, and service delivery
• Driving forward climate resilience initiatives, including flood risk mitigation and adaptation
• Building strong partnerships across Oxfordshire and beyond to deliver collaborative climate solutions
• Championing community engagement and inclusive climate communication

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership on climate change, carbon reduction, resilience, and biodiversity across the Council and district
• Manage staff performance and development, supporting a small team and enabling wider delivery through cross-service collaboration
• Integrate climate action into council operations, budgets, and long-term investment decisions
• Lead on budget planning and resource allocation to support climate priorities
• Brief and advise portfolio holders and senior stakeholders, ensuring climate action remains a strategic priority
• Represent Cherwell at regional and national forums, influencing policy and promoting the Council's climate priorities
• Secure and manage external funding to support climate innovation and delivery
• Act as the Council's lead advisor on sustainability, net zero, adaptation, and resilience
• Promote accessible and inclusive communication to engage communities in climate action

About You 

We're looking for a confident, ambitious leader with credibility and drive to deliver meaningful change. You will bring:

• Senior-level experience in climate policy, carbon reduction, or environmental sustainability within a complex organisation (local authority experience is advantageous)
• A strong track record of leading teams and delivering high-impact climate projects
• In-depth knowledge of UK climate legislation, government priorities, flood risk, and low-carbon planning
• The ability to challenge constructively, influence decision-makers, and build buy-in across diverse stakeholder groups
• Proven ability to build partnerships, engage stakeholders, and secure external funding
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• A degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Sustainability, Environmental Science); a Masters is desirable

What's in it for You?

This is more than just a job - it's a chance to be at the forefront of climate leadership in local government. In this senior leadership position, you'll have visibility and influence across the Council and wider region, operating in a high-profile, strategic role where your expertise will directly shape policy, delivery, and community impact. You'll be part of a directorate that is being prioritised and invested in, giving you the platform and support to drive meaningful change. You'll benefit from opportunities to build a strong professional network through regional and national forums, while working in a dynamic environment where innovation and challenge are welcomed. This is a role for someone who wants to make a tangible difference, not only within the organisation, but across communities and the climate agenda.

In return, Cherwell offer a competitive package and a culture that supports your wellbeing and development, including:

• 33 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Local Government Pension Scheme (15.9% employer contribution)
• Electric Vehicle and cycle-to-work salary sacrifice schemes
• Annual flu vaccination and £25 eye test reimbursement
• Incremental pay awards (awarded annually in April after one year of service)
• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements
• Town centre offices in Banbury, close to transport links and amenities

How to Apply

You can visit our microsite to find out more and apply: https://cherwell-district-council.sellickpartnership.co.uk/ or for a confidential conversation, please contact Nikki Kinsey at Sellick Partnership.

A CV and personal statement (max 2,500 words) is required from each candidate. This should outline your suitability for the role, including relevant skills, qualities, and experience, with reference to the criteria set out in the job description.

Closing date: Sunday 19 October 2025, 23:59

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.