Area Manager - West Country

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

Job summary

The RSPB is seeking an Area Manager for the West Country to lead and inspire teams in nature conservation efforts. This permanent, full-time role involves managing various landscapes in South-West England, with responsibilities in relationship-building, strategic planning, and operational management. If you're passionate about biodiversity restoration and eager to drive significant changes for nature, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Experience in nature conservation or related field.
• Proven leadership in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong business acumen and decision-making abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead management of conservation projects across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Scilly.
• Build partnerships and drive collaborative conservation efforts.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to restore nature.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Management

Nature Conservation

Relationship Building

Strategic Planning

Budget Management

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

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

Area Manager - West Country
Reference: JUN20253572
Location: Flexible in South-West England
Terms: Permanent, Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £60,178.00 - £64,248.00 Per Annum

This is more than a management role - this is your opportunity to lead one of the RSPB’s most exciting portfolios, restoring nature across a landscape rich in potential and alive with challenge.

We are looking for an exceptional leader to take on a truly special role covering some of the most stunning and biodiverse landscapes in the UK: Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This role is big, bold, and bursting with opportunity. This is a job for someone who loves nature, thrives in complexity, and finds joy in bringing people together to create a world richer in wildlife. You’ll work closely with eNGOs, local authorities, statutory agencies, farmers, and communities - building trusted relationships and turning ambition into action on behalf of nature.

You’re a leader who brings people with you - you inspire, support, and energise. You don’t shy away from challenge, but you lead with purpose, clarity and care. You see partnership not as a strategy but a mindset, and your ambition for nature drives everything you do.

We’re especially looking for someone with the following:

• A background in nature conservation, land or reserve management, and/or operational management including risk and compliance.
• Experience of leading dispersed, multi-disciplinary teams (both employees and volunteers), passionate about creating high-performing, ambitious cultures.
• A proven ability to turn bold strategy into real-world impact - designing ambitious programmes, setting clear priorities, and leading transformative change, all while confidently navigating competing demands without losing sight of the bigger picture for nature.
• A love of the natural world, and a belief that restoration, not just protection, is the future of conservation.
• The credibility and confidence to work with senior partners, government and stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen, budget management and decision-making skills.
• Bonus points if you have experience of project management software and tools, have experience in commercial operations, explored new ways to fund conservation (like Biodiversity Net Gain), or know your way around the West Country’s nature, people and politics

We are not here to maintain the status quo. We are here to drive bold change for nature, and we want you with us.

Closing: 4th August

To complete your application online please CLICK HERE