Director - Trees and Urban Forestry

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Director Business Unit (BU) Lead to oversee and drive their Trees and Urban Forestry division. In collaboration with the Divisional Director, this role requires strong leadership to guide the BU in achieving its strategic objectives and delivering operational excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting and executing the BU’s strategy, driving performance, and managing day-to-day operations.

In addition to providing leadership, you will work closely with the Divisional Director to align the broader division's goals and ensure overall business success. This role will also involve cross-functional collaboration to identify new opportunities and ensure a cohesive, mutually beneficial approach across all business areas.

The ideal candidate will inspire, grow, and lead the team, championing a culture that is inclusive, ethical, and supportive. You will be an advocate for sustainability and lead by example to ensure the BU operates as a high-performing, values-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

• Championing Business Success: Promote the client’s mission and values both internally and externally.
• Fostering a Positive Culture: Uphold and embody the company’s values and contribute to a unified business approach.
• Ensuring Compliance: Oversee adherence to all policies, processes, and systems, while driving continuous improvement.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work alongside other departments and business leaders to meet divisional and company-wide objectives.
• Managing Performance: Oversee BU performance, identifying risks and opportunities to drive growth and profitability.
• Team Development: Actively support the professional growth and development of team members.
• Profile Building: Take responsibility for raising the BU’s profile, promoting services, and winning new business.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the creation and implementation of divisional strategic plans.
• Budget and Resource Management: Assist in budget setting and ensure the BU has the resources necessary to meet its targets.
• Health and Safety: Maintain a strong focus on health and safety in all activities in line with company policies.

Technical Responsibilities

• Leadership in Technical Excellence: Drive technical innovation and maintain high standards of quality across the BU’s output.
• Professional Development: Encourage team engagement with professional institutes and continual learning.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all BU work meets rigorous quality standards through a robust assurance framework.
• Technical Expertise: Establish yourself as a key technical authority in the fields of arboriculture, green infrastructure, and ecosystem services.
• Service Diversification: Lead efforts to diversify the BU’s service offerings, expanding into relevant sectors.

Person Specification

• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding and expertise in urban forestry, arboriculture, or a related field.
• Leadership Skills: Strong interpersonal and team leadership abilities, with experience managing diverse teams.
• Commercial Insight: Demonstrated commercial awareness and ability to drive business growth.
• Client-Focused: Excellent client relationship management and business development skills.
• Organisational Excellence: Strong organisational and time management capabilities.

Requirements

• Leadership Experience: Proven track record in leading a team within a relevant industry.
• Educational Background: Degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Industry Experience: At least 10 years of experience in the sector.
• Professional Certification: Chartered professional status or equivalent, with a solid record of continuous professional development (CPD).

Our client offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and is open to candidates working from one of their various offices, including London, Manchester, or Lichfield.