Unit Business Manager- Ecology

Add expected salary to your profile for insights At Biodiversity Australia, a proudly Indigenous-owned environmental consultancy, we are seeking an exceptional Business Manager to lead our QLD Environmental Unit into its next phase of growth. This is a rare opportunity for a senior business leader and principal-level ecologist who is ready to step into a truly influential role — shaping strategy, driving performance, and delivering meaningful environmental and social outcomes at scale. You will be a visionary leader who thrives on complexity, leads with purpose, and inspires high-performing teams to achieve excellence. As our environmental services continue to expand across new geographies and sectors, we are looking for a strategic and values-driven professional to manage key portfolios, drive innovation, and deliver best-in-class outcomes for our clients and communities. Biodiversity Australia's work is grounded in scientific rigour, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to social responsibility — including empowering Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation. If you are motivated by impact and purpose, this role offers the platform to lead change where it truly matters. About the opportunity Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Operations, the Business Manager is accountable for the operational performance, growth strategy, and financial outcomes of the QLD Environmental Unit. You will lead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of environmental professionals, while building strong internal alignment and trusted external partnerships. Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as this role requires you to cultivate enduring relationships with clients, regulators, partners, and community stakeholders. You will be recognised as a differentiated leader — bringing advanced coaching capability, proven experience managing diverse teams, and a track record of delivering results through people. Success in this role will be underpinned by your ability to: Build strong internal and external partnerships that drive client satisfaction; Navigate complexity and solve problems with clarity and confidence; Lead change, improve systems, and lift performance; and Bring energy, resilience, and momentum to ambitious growth objectives. This is a senior leadership role for someone who wants to leave a legacy — for the business, for biodiversity, and for the communities we serve. Responsibilities Provide strong leadership and direction to ensure all contractual requirements and high-level service expectations/KPI's are met; Supervise and mentor the staff across a broad range of related projects; Responsible for financial tracking, budgeting and reporting within each service unit; Responsible for meeting budgetary measures and driving cost efficiencies within each service unit; Ensure all operations are run within company processes, compliance and consistency and aligned with the company's integrated management plan (Safety, Quality & Environment; Coordinate and ensure each unit has adequate resources to deliver project requirements in a safe and efficient manner (includes tools, equipment, PPE, plant etc.) Develop, maintain and enhance existing client relationships while driving business development with new clients; Responsible for assisting with the development of proposals and tenders to Biodiversity Australia standard in conjunction with the Tender Coordinator; Develop the size of the service units/regions in a manner which is both economically sustainable and professionally balanced by training and qualification; Organise internal and external training to ensure that projects are run correctly, client expectations are met and the work is of a technically high standard; Identify and report any potential problems or disruptions to the Senior Leadership Team which could relate to the interruption of business or impact service delivery; Confidently represent Biodiversity Australia in a variety of public forums and marketing opportunities, including media, conferences, and community events; Create a culture of change and innovation to enable continuous growth and improvement; Provide Biodiversity Australia with an understanding of Government legislation, particularly that related to Development and related industries; and Ensure the successful implementation and on-going achievement of Biodiversity Australia’s business strategy plan for the service units. About you If you are a highly motivated individual with the skills to lead the growth of the service units through expert leadership, quality assurance and business development along with providing principal level input to drive revenue, profitability and client satisfaction then this would make the perfect role for you. Your demonstrated high level written and oral communication skills, proficiency in office-based research, data compilation and reporting along with strong leadership, supervisory, interpersonal and negotiations will be critical to your success in this role. Qualifications Relevant qualifications in Environmental management, environmental science, planning, engineering or related discipline. Sound knowledge of State, Territory and Commonwealth environmental legislation. Experience in leading teams in multidisciplinary roles. Strong commercial focus with regards to contract and business management. Strong analytical skills. Well-developed skills in problem solving, written/verbal communication, collaborative working and time/priority management. Commitment to quality, client satisfaction and ongoing improvement. Professional presentation. Displaying leadership skills and a professional approach in the workplace. The willingness and personal capacity to undertake work away from home on occasions. Ability to utilise a variety of computer programs and IT applications. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply. The review process will begin without delay, so please send in your application as soon as possible. Only applicants who have been short listed for an interview will be contacted. Application Questions Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as a business manager? How many years' experience do you have in environment & planning law? Have you completed a qualification in business? What's your expected annual base salary? How much notice are you required to give your current employer? #J-18808-Ljbffr