Ecology Business Development Manager (Start-Up Lead)

Location: Lowther Estates, Cumbria
Contract Type: Fixed-term (with potential to become permanent)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

Lowther Estates is seeking a highly motivated and visionary individual to lead the creation and launch of a new ecology-focused company. This is a unique opportunity to combine entrepreneurial skills with environmental expertise, shaping a business that will deliver ecological services, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable land management solutions across Cumbria and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Set-Up & Strategy – Develop and implement a comprehensive business plan, including service offerings, pricing models, and operational structures.
• Regulatory & Compliance – Ensure the company meets all relevant environmental, legal, and health & safety requirements.
• Partnership Development – Build relationships with local authorities, conservation bodies, landowners, and commercial clients.
• Service Development – Identify and design ecological services such as habitat surveys, biodiversity net gain projects, and habitat restoration schemes.
• Brand & Marketing – Create a strong brand identity and marketing strategy to position the company as a trusted ecological partner.
• Financial Management – Oversee budgets, funding applications, and revenue generation strategies.
• Team Building – Recruit and manage a small, skilled team of ecologists and support staff as the business grows.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of UK environmental legislation and biodiversity frameworks.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of a project from inception to delivery.

Desirable

• Experience working in rural estate or land management contexts.
• Understanding of biodiversity net gain (BNG) and natural capital markets.
• Track record of securing funding or grants for environmental projects.

What We Offer

• The chance to create and lead a pioneering ecological business from the ground up.
• Support from the Lowther Estates leadership team and access to estate resources.
• A role with purpose, contributing to environmental restoration and sustainable land use in Cumbria.