Project Manager for Porlock Vale Streams project, Riverlands programme

Rising on the highest upland of Exmoor, the short, steep streams of the Porlock Vale respond rapidly to rainfall and have a high associated flood risk to settlements in the lower catchment. Building on previous multi-objective flood management projects, we are looking to appoint an experienced Project Manager to deliver the National Trust's plans for the Porlock Vale Streams project, part of the national Riverlands programme, and join the collaborative effort of multiple organisations to reduce the flood risk, and build on successful habitat enhancements for the area.

Our Land, Outdoors and Nature (LON) work in the South West contributes to two key areas of our new strategy: 'Restoring a healthier, more beautiful natural environment', and 'Creating experiences that move, teach and inspire'. The Riverlands programme is a great example where we are delivering both.

As the Project Manager for this Riverlands project, you'll be central to making the vision a reality - to provide healthy rivers and catchments, rich in wildlife, enjoyed and cared for by all. As well as working in a very rewarding role, you'll be joining a passionate team and will soon become a voice of our landscapes, a conservation champion, and a lover of all things outdoors.

While our vision for the Riverlands programme is clear, it will be your role to make it a reality. As Project Manager, you'll use the National Trust Project Management Framework to lead, manage, and deliver the project plan, ensuring it is kept on track, the most favourable option to complete the task is found, and that it is delivered within budget.

The Riverlands Project is a truly collaborative effort, and you will need to draw on your experience of leading and managing multiple work streams in order to co-ordinate teams effectively. You will be working in partnership with the Environment Agency in England, and Natural Resources Wales, local communities, groups, authorities, as well as internal and external stakeholders to name just a few.

You will know that strong participation with local communities and farmers will be critical to the successful delivery of the programme, and it will be your role to ensure a close connection is established with them, and other local groups and authorities, so they are engaged with the vision for their landscape, and are able to contribute to its success.

And funding will be key. We have a central HLF bid underway, but we need to explore more funding routes for the continual development of this project. We have identified a range of funding streams that can be pursued, and it will be your role to pursue these opportunities, and explore alternative models for valuing/paying for NFM, ecosystem services and habitat improvement interventions within the Porlock Vale Streams catchment.

To be successful in this role you'll need to demonstrate you have;

• Experience working as a Project Manager with a focus on building a collective vision with local communities

• Experience working on catchment management, natural resource management, or similar types of environmental conservation projects, where you can demonstrate an understanding of the drivers for working at a catchment scale, the role of environmental assessment in designing solutions which take account of cultural, heritage and landscape issues

• An ability to interpret and respond to research, intelligence, analysis and policy developments and translate it so it is accessible and engaging for a variety of audiences

• Experience in Project management practices and the use of frameworks to deliver projects

• Sound experience of funding, procuring, contracting and financial processes, including a proven track record of managing budgets to control costs

• Proven experience in sponsor, stakeholder and client / supplier relationship management Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public presentation, facilitation and training experience

• Excellent leadership and communication skills including the ability to manage and motivate project teams

Conservation experience and a passion for the outdoors is essential, as is good understanding of land management and rural awareness. You'll also be an advocate for the Trust's strategic goals, in particular around our Land, Outdoors and Nature agenda - bringing your technical understanding of land management to enable delivery of a richer and healthier catchment.