Project Manager, Greensphere

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000

Job description

Contract Type: Fixed Term (FTA)

Contract end date: 2 years from start date

In the UK and globally, the value of biodiversity is increasingly important in human lives and livelihoods. RBG Kew’s scientific mission as a world-leading biodiversity institute is to stop biodiversity loss, develop nature-based solutions to societal challenges and evaluate the quality and providence of plant and fungal materials entering the trade as outlined in its Science Strategy https://www.kew.org/science/our-science/publications-and-reports/science-reports/kew-science-strategy and Manifesto for Change https://www.kew.org/about-us/press-media/manifesto-for-change-2021. We undertake research on different aspects of plant and fungal science and have the opportunity to evaluate the commercial potential of some of these activities through our relationship with Greensphere Capital’s Gaia Sciences Innovation (GSI). For example, in November 2024 we launched our first joint venture between GSI and RBG Kew called Kew REACH (Restoration, Enhancement, Adaptation and Creation of Habitats). We are now scoping other areas which could be the foundation for new spinouts.

One role of the post is to help in the co-ordination of RBG Kew staff to assist with the scoping and delivery of Kew Reach projects. Kew REACH’s mission is to be the world’s pre-eminent, science-led, high-trust, habitat consulting firm, powered by RBG Kew’s unparalleled scientific reputation, integrity, and expertise. Kew REACH will provide trusted scientific credentials, transparency, data, and accountability at scale in a market where these qualities are lacking, open to misinterpretation and even exploitation by industry and governments leading, in turn, to poor investment decisions, reputational risk and lack of meaningful action to protect the planet. It will also aim to maximise Kew’s impact from its work on Nature Based Solutions (NBS), with its research informing the science-led approach. Kew REACH draws on Kew’s expertise to advise on and help implement a wide range of outcomes to clients in urban, agricultural, forestry and conservation landscapes including provision of assessment, high-resolution measurement, capability building, enhancement and restoration planning, implementation, resilience modelling and evaluation. Both roles advertised here will contribute to the missions of RBG, Kew and Kew REACH through undertaking research and consultancy on the science and practice of restoration, spatial analysis and modelling-based research respectively.

The second important role is to support the co-ordination of meetings associated with scoping future joint ventures with GSI. We are planning that these joint ventures with GSI will help increase the impact of the scientific work undertaken by RBG Kew.

About You

We seek an individual qualified to PhD level, or with PhD equivalent experience in plant and/or fungal science that has proven project management experience. We require someone who is able to communicate effectively to a wide range of internal and external audiences, with experience in the co-ordination of consultancy and client-oriented projects. This should include experience in the co-ordination of projects that require the input from scientists from a range of different disciplines. Experience of Project Management of projects outside the UK is an advantage.

Interviews will take place mid-April 2025.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

About Us

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.