Chief Programme Officer

Kent Wildlife Trust; Sandling; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the UK is seeking a Chief Programme Officer to drive business growth and ensure high-quality project delivery. The role involves leading teams, developing strategic plans, and optimizing systems to achieve organizational goals. Candidates should possess extensive experience in project delivery, analytical skills, and a commitment to sustainability. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to make a significant impact in environmental consultancy.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Wellbeing initiatives

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Senior experience in software optimisation and project delivery.
• Proven commercial acumen, especially in business development.
• Ability to analyse and present data.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of ABEC's Business Plan and resource alignment.
• Drive new business development opportunities.
• Oversee contract delivery and ensure quality outcomes.

Skills

Project delivery expertise

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Senior experience in environmental consultancy or related field

Tools

SCORO

CRM systems

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for high-quality delivery, environmental impact and business growth? Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (ABEC) - the consultancy arm of Kent Wildlife Trust Group (KWTG) - is seeking a dynamic Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to drive excellence, innovation and sustainable growth across both ABEC and wider group operations. This role requires strategic agility, impartiality and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for two values-aligned organisations.

Responsibilities – ABEC

• Lead the delivery of ABEC's Business Plan, working closely with the Managing Director.
• Drive new business and market development, identifying emerging opportunities in consultancy and nature markets.
• Optimise project management systems (including SCORO) to lift efficiency, productivity and financial insight.
• Oversee contract delivery to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and to the highest quality.
• Monitor and report on organisational performance indicators, business plan progress and risk management.
• Lead integration of digital systems (SCORO, COREO, CRM, mapping, Natural Capital platforms).
• Align resources, processes and capacity to ensure successful delivery of contracted work.
• Build and maintain strong strategic client relationships.
• Line manage and develop your team, embedding a high-performance culture and clear KPIs.

Responsibilities – KWT Group

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure financial quality, strategic alignment and delivery assurance for ABEC's income-generating activity.
• Support or lead on group-wide projects (ensuring no conflict of interest with ABEC delivery).
• Help deliver income targets, including Nature-Based Solutions.
• Audit and review systems and processes across the Group to improve efficiency, integration and return on investment.
• Support group-wide resource planning and operational effectiveness.
• Foster positive working relationships and champion KWTG's culture and values.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in software optimisation, project delivery or operations - ideally in environmental consultancy or a related field.
• Proven commercial acumen and experience developing new business opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, analyse and present data clearly.
• Expertise in project management methodologies, resource planning and operational reporting.
• Ability to manage complex programmes in fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to sustainability, ecological principles and the Trust's mission.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and building collaborative, positive cultures.
• Confidence engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

About ABEC & Kent Wildlife Trust Group

ABEC is a wholly owned but legally distinct subsidiary of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group. As a mission-aligned consultancy, ABEC delivers high-quality environmental and nature-based services that support KWTG's strategic conservation goals. Kent Wildlife Trust is the county's leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1,000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9,000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 2,000 properties and projects. The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion, meaning we strive to inspire, empower and engage people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities to change the natural world for the better, and cultivate inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination.

We offer exceptional enhanced benefits. Recognising the wellbeing pressures related to the climate and nature crises we face as a society, we provide flexible work options, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Whatever stage of your career you're at, our comprehensive benefits package at Kent Wildlife Trust can be a key factor in your choice to join us.

Next steps

To learn more about the role and apply, complete the online application form. Be sure to include your personal statement in the space provided and upload your CV, and review the guidance notes for helpful tips. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Please note you must have a legal right to work in the UK and visa sponsorship cannot be provided. We are committed to safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk; all recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to references, Disclosure and Barring Service checks together with other relevant employment checks as appropriate to the role.