Chief Programme Officer

Altum Consulting; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Maidstone is seeking a Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to lead operations and manage a team. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in environmental services and a passion for sustainability. This role offers a competitive salary around £55,000, with hybrid working opportunities and a chance to contribute to conservation goals.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working opportunities

Performance-related pay

Group benefits

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in operations or programme management, ideally in consultancy, environmental services or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead teams and improve systems and performance.
• Confidence working with budgets, forecasts and business planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support ABEC's operations, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently.
• Manage and develop a team of around 20 staff, including ecologists and project managers.
• Strengthen internal systems, processes and communication.
• Support the Managing Director with business planning and financial management.
• Identify new clients and partnership opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Financial management

People management

Job description

About the Role

Altum Consulting is pleased to be working with Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (ABEC), part of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group (KWTG), to appoint a new Chief Programme Officer (CPO). ABEC is a growing environmental consultancy delivering ecological and biodiversity services across Kent, the South East and the UK. Its work includes protected species surveys, biodiversity net gain, natural capital and nature-based solutions, strategic research, and marine and coastal services. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kent Wildlife Trust, all ABEC profits are reinvested into the charity to support its mission for a Wilder Kent 2030. KWTG brings together Kent Wildlife Trust and its three subsidiaries – ABEC, Wilder Carbon and Kent Wildlife Enterprises – to deliver a sustainable model for environmental recovery and climate resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support ABEC's operations, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, profitably and to a high standard.
• Manage and develop a team of around 20 staff, including ecologists, project managers and seasonal surveyors.
• Strengthen internal systems, processes and communication, working with colleagues across finance, HR, IT and governance.
• Support the Managing Director and Group COO with business planning, financial management and reporting.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new clients, markets and partnership opportunities.
• Build a positive and inclusive culture and promote collaboration across ABEC and the wider Kent Wildlife Trust Group.

About You

We're looking for a capable, people-focused leader who can improve systems, strengthen teams, and help the business operate at its best. You may come from an environmental consultancy, commercial or not-for-profit background – what matters most is your ability to combine practical management skills with strategic thinking and sound judgement.

• Senior leadership experience in operations or programme management, ideally in consultancy, environmental services or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead teams and improve systems and performance.
• Confidence working with budgets, forecasts and business planning.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to motivate and gain trust.
• A collaborative, pragmatic approach and an interest in environmental sustainability.

Desirable

• Experience in environmental consultancy or ecological services.
• Understanding of biodiversity net gain, planning or surveying.

Why Join ABEC

• Purpose - your work directly supports Kent Wildlife Trust's conservation goals for a Wilder Kent 2030.
• Flexibility - hybrid working with at least two days per week in the Maidstone office.
• Opportunity - play a key role in the next stage of ABEC's development.
• Reward - competitive salary around £55,000, with performance-related pay and group benefits.

How to Apply

Altum Consulting is managing the recruitment process on behalf of KWT and ABEC. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with the aim of appointing the new CPO in early 2026. To apply or find out more, please submit your CV today.

Both Altum Consulting and Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.