Area Manager - West Country

CHM; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Nature Conservation charity is seeking an Area Manager for the West Country. This strategic and operational role involves overseeing conservation efforts across beautiful landscapes in Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall while leading a passionate team to drive impactful change.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

26 days' Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Experience in nature conservation or operational management.
• Leadership skills in multidisciplinary teams including volunteers.
• Ability to translate strategy into impact and lead change.

Responsibilities

• Oversee five reserve cluster teams across diverse habitats.
• Manage the off-site conservation team and engage stakeholders.
• Champion the visitor experience and support income generation.

Skills

Nature Conservation

Operational Management

Leadership

Budgeting

Decision-Making

Job description

Could this be the best job in conservation? We think so.

Our client is looking for an exceptional leader to take on a truly special role as Area Manager for the West Country — covering some of the most stunning and biodiverse landscapes in the UK: Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly.

Position details:

• Reference: JUN20253572
• Location: Flexible in South-West England
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £60,178.00 - £64,248.00 Per Annum
• Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

This role offers more than management — it’s your opportunity to lead one of the most exciting portfolios in this leading Nature Conservation charity, restoring nature across landscapes rich in potential and challenge.

Whether guiding the team on the Isles of Scilly, shaping the future of the Somerset Levels through the Landscape Recovery Scheme, or building partnerships in Devon, you will be driving lasting change for nature.

This position is strategic and operational, overseeing conservation efforts both on reserves and beyond, leading a passionate team and working with landowners, partners, and communities to embed nature recovery at a landscape scale.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing five reserve cluster teams across coast, wetland, and lowland habitats.
• Managing and inspiring the off-site conservation team, working with landowners and partners.
• Championing visitor experience to ensure meaningful engagement with nature.
• Supporting income generation through visitor income, bids for funding, grants, and philanthropic support.
• Leading on two Priority Landscapes — the Somerset Levels and the Celtic Seas — including oversight of the Somerset Landscape Recovery Scheme.
• Bringing vision and energy to complex programmes, always keeping nature at the heart of decisions.

This role is ideal for someone who loves nature, thrives in complexity, and enjoys bringing people together to create a richer wildlife environment. You will work closely with NGOs, authorities, agencies, farmers, and communities to turn ambitions into action.

About you:

You are a leader who inspires and supports others, embraces challenges with purpose and clarity, and believes in partnership as a mindset. Your passion for nature drives your work.

The employer is especially interested in candidates with:

• Experience in nature conservation, land/reserve management, or operational management including risk and compliance.
• Leadership of dispersed, multidisciplinary teams, including volunteers.
• Ability to translate strategy into impact, designing programmes, setting priorities, and leading change.
• A love for the natural world and a focus on restoration as the future of conservation.
• Credibility to work with senior stakeholders, government, and partners.
• Strong business, budgeting, and decision-making skills.
• Bonus: experience with project management tools, commercial operations, innovative funding methods, or knowledge of the West Country’s nature and politics.

You will be part of a wider leadership team, working closely with counterparts across England, helping steer operational delivery nationally.

Why join this charity?

This is a meaningful job for nature, communities, and the future of cherished places. The organisation is ambitious, delivering large-scale change with a team that values creativity and collaboration. They aim to drive bold change for nature and want you to be part of it.

Application details:

Closing date: 23:59, Monday 4th August 2025. Interviews from 18 August 2025.

To apply, click the job board apply button and follow the instructions. The employer values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including people of colour and disabled applicants.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

No agencies please.