Principal Arboricultural Consultant

Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £46,165 to £54,312 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Flexible (office-based one day per week)

About the Role
A multi-disciplinary consultancy is seeking a Principal Arboricultural Consultant to co-lead their arboricultural services across the UK. This position involves delivering specialist planning advice, highway tree management, large-scale arboricultural assessments, and supporting multi-disciplinary projects.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified subject matter expert with advanced technical skills, substantial experience, and strong client relationship management abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver commercial and operational arboricultural services, including complex assessments, habitat management, and surveys.
• Provide expert advice on planning, highways, and enforcement issues, and review compliance with recognised standards.
• Lead on high-value projects, bid development, and commercial growth.
• Develop policies, guidance, and promotional materials to enhance service recognition.
• Manage a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and client-focused culture.
• Continuously improve service delivery efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in a relevant field with significant post-qualification experience.
• Professional Tree Inspector qualification and membership in a relevant body (e.g., M.Arbor.A or MICFor).
• Expert knowledge of legislation, planning policy, woodland management, and arboricultural practices.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Excellent project management skills, including leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Advanced use of GIS and specialist software for data analysis and presentation.

Additional Information
The role requires mobility across the operational area, so a valid driving license and access to a vehicle (or an alternative means of meeting mobility requirements) is necessary.

Equal Opportunities
The employer is committed to promoting diversity, supporting applicants with disabilities, veterans, and care leavers, and ensuring reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Other Requirements
This role may require a DBS check and registration with the DBS update service.

Please Note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as sponsorship is not available for this role.