Operations Manager (Habitats)

The Company Keystone Environmental is an ecological consultancy with a practical, intelligent and pioneering approach to advising its clients. With over 23 years’ experience, Keystone has established an outstanding reputation as one of the leading multi-disciplinary consultancies within the UK. Since 2022, Keystone has proudly operated as an Origin Enterprises company, an international agronomy brand whose primary focus is sustainable land use through integrated innovative solutions. Our Origin connection provides employees with all the benefits and opportunities associated with working for a global leader in sustainability, including investment in latest technology, training and development, yet Keystone has retained the professional family feel that attracts clients and employees alike. We share the same values, People, Community, Partnerships, Integrity, and Innovation, which are reflected in all that we do and lie at the very core of our business. Our vision is simple: to apply technical excellence, practical know-how and innovation to nature recovery, building a legacy of rich biodiversity and restored ecosystems across the UK. We operate across all areas of industry, from public and private sector clients to large renewable energy schemes, on projects at all scales including some of the UK’s largest Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Having established a first-class reputation for habitat creation, restoration, and mitigation, we specialise in conservation driven projects that focus on nature restoration and Biodiversity Net Gain at scale. The Habitats Department Keystone’s expertise covers all aspects of ecological consultancy, yet it is the specialist engineering knowledge of our Habitats team that enables the design and delivery of first-class mitigation schemes across the UK. We are a close-knit team of nine, lead by the Head of Habitats, who support each other to deliver the best outcomes. Our capabilities include ecologically sensitive habitat clearance, creation, restoration, and management solutions that deliver maximum conservation gain for minimal cost and environmental impact. We are renowned for our sensitive approach to protected habitats and species, as well as a solid knowledge of engineering, an up-to-date range of equipment and a resourceful approach to deployment in complex and challenging situations. The Role The Operations Manager (Habitats) is a logistical project manager and technical expert, whose principle role is to support the effective function of the Keystone Habitats Team. You will report to the Head of Habitats and provide active support in performing project and administrative tasks to help meet annual targets, whilst adhering to Keystone’s quality assurance standards and approach to risk management. The Operations Manager plays an active role in departmental logistics planning and project work through participation in project teams, project management, groundwork, and client liaison. You will be tasked with quoting for works and working with Head of Habitats to bid for complex tenders, undertaking contracts management as required upon award. Administrative duties include those incorporated as part of project work, as well as additional duties as required by the Head of Habitats. The Candidate We seek a highly organised and personable team player, with a ‘can do’ approach and good attention to detail. You will be a commercially astute, solutions led individual, who is a capable problem solver and natural lateral thinker. With a passion for nature protection and restoration, the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate alignment with our company vision and values. You will be a strong self-starter, with the energy and drive to support the Head of Habitats in continuing the success of the department Primary Responsibilities Client liaison, quoting and tender submission; Project/resourcing planning, project management and administration; Participation and contribution to team organisation and groundwork; Ensure the timely procurement of necessary resources, plant, tool and materials to deliver projects on time and within budget; Active scheduling of the Habitats team, vehicles, plant and subcontractors with a broad overview of the requirements of multiple sites; Line management, training and monitoring of Habitats team members; Help secure repeat and referral work through nurture of existing clients; Maximise opportunities to win new work from prospective clients; Support the marketing function through contribution of content and case studies. Core Requirements Ideally you will have the following skills and experience. However, this is an exciting and dynamic role so there is some scope for refinement of responsibilities, depending on the strengths of the successful candidate. If you don’t meet all requirements but believe you could thrive in this role, please consider applying or get in touch to discuss your suitability. Relevant industry experience. This could be in ecological contracting or practical land management, including not limited to habitat creation and restoration, conservation, forestry and arboriculture; Strong communication skills, evidenced through an excellent track record of client, subcontractor and supplier communication and management; Experience in organising and managing a team of operatives and associated vehicles and plant on projects in excess of £100k; Ability to identify risks and opportunities, avoiding/minimising the former and capitalising on the latter; A proven aptitude for understanding clients’ requirements and delivering these on time and within budget, without compromising industry standards; Ability to balance and manage priorities, and maintain good working relationships with clients and colleagues whilst working under pressure; Solutions led and have an inherent ability to solve problems; Quoting, tendering and project delivery experience; Experience in mentoring junior team members to achieve their potential; Experience in writing site specific risk assessments and method statements for jobs covering a range of sectors; Related qualifications or professional accreditations are preferred but not essential - SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS or similar industry equivalent; Experience in the use of hand held and mobile plant preferred but not essential; Drivers licence (clean) is essential, and towing experience would be advantageous. Our Location We offer a friendly, supportive, and welcoming work environment within our Gloucestershire Head Office, situated in an idyllic rural setting just outside Tetbury. In late 2025 we plan to relocate to new purpose-built premises near Badminton, an equally stunning location with on-site parking and easily accessible from the M5/M4 corridor, South Wales, Bristol, Bath, and Gloucester. The new office will enable consulting, contracting and administration teams to operate under one roof, whilst providing bright, modern, and comfortable office space for all. Compensation and Benefits At Keystone we strive to provide the kind of support to help you find a work-life balance that enables you to fulfil your potential and grow with us. We offer a comprehensive industry leading benefits package, which is regularly reviewed, and currently includes: Salary £37,500 - £45,000 per annum depending upon experience 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays Enhanced Company pension Private medical insurance (BUPA) Life Assurance Support and dedicated individual training budget to achieve continued growth and career progression Company laptop and mobile phone In addition: Quarterly staff appreciation events Employee recognition bonus awards One paid Community Action Day per year Access to internal Mental First Aid Qualified staff Employment Assistance Programme Option for flexible working Fleet of company vehicles for meetings and site attendance Dog friendly office