Consultancy Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Consulting

Cumbria Wildlife Trust; Kendal; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cumbria Wildlife Trust invites applications for a Consultancy Manager to lead and develop our Nature Economy Services in Kendal, with travel across Cumbria. You will oversee Cumbria Wildlife Consulting (CWC) and the commercial plant nursery, ensuring high-quality integrated services, meeting financial targets and supporting the Trust's mission.

The role requires a blend of business acumen and ecological insight, with experience in commercial environments, remote and in-person team

Qualifications

• Experience in leading teams both remotely and in person.
• Proven track record in commercial environment such as ecological consultancy.
• Full driving licence and access to car desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and management of Cumbria Wildlife Consulting (CWC) and the commercial plant nursery.
• Build high-value strategic partnerships and new business opportunities within the nature economy.
• Ensure services meet financial targets and align with the Trust's mission to protect Cumbria's natural environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Business development

Remote team management

Strategic partnerships

Job description

We have a unique and rewarding opportunity for a Consultancy Manager to join us to help lead, manage and develop our Nature Economy Services. The role will be based in Kendal, however it will involve travelling throughout Cumbria, including to the Trust’s northern office at Gosling Sike, near Carlisle.

Salary: £42,830 per annum with annual increment, plus 9% pension contribution.

Duration: Full-time (35 hrs per week) fixed term for 3 years (with possibility of extension).

The role offers a unique opportunity to lead the development and management of the Trust’s consultancy (Cumbria Wildlife Consulting (CWC)) and commercial plant nursery, ensuring they together provide a high-quality integrated service, meet financial targets, and align with the Trust's mission to protect and restore Cumbria’s natural environment, and inspire action.

Since 2023, the Trust has run a semi-commercial nursery at its Gosling Sike site near Carlisle, providing local provenance, peat-free plug plants for use in our projects, but also selling to partner organisations. The Trust has recently secured funding to expand its operation, increasing capacity and enabling more efficient production.

In addition to the above, the role will also build new, high-value strategic partnerships and business relationships with a focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities within the nature economy.

What we're looking for:

An individual who is enthusiastic and passionate about delivering nature’s recovery in Cumbria, but who is also business-minded with a proven track record of working in a commercial environment such as an ecological consultancy. Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and have experience of leading teams both remotely and in person. They should also possess the relevant skills, experience and confidence to grow new business ventures, taking them to the next stage.A full driving licence and access to a car with business-use insurance are desirable.

Closing date for applications is 9.00 am on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Interviews will be held on Monday 19 October 2026 at our offices at Kendal (with the possibility of second interviews at a later date).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard anything within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria