Development Phase Programme Manager

Thames Rivers Trust; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental conservation organization in the UK is seeking a Programme Manager to oversee the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project. This role involves coordinating daily operations, managing partner contributions, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. The ideal candidate has a strong background in project management and excellent communication skills. The position is fixed-term for one year with a salary range between £40,000 and £45,000, alongside flexible working arrangements and regular travel across the Thames Basin areas.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-partner programmes.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee programme development and partner coordination.
• Manage programme timeline, risk register, and delivery plan.
• Lead development of project legacy strategy and funding strategy.

Skills

Organisational skills

Project management

Communication

Fundraising experience

Job description

This essential role will oversee the coordination, governance, and planning of the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) Development Phase. The Programme Manager will supervise the programme’s daily operations, manage partner input into key workstreams (capital design, education, citizen science, inclusion), and ensure that timelines, budgets, and deliverables meet the Heritage Fund expectations. The role involves direct responsibility for preparing the Delivery Phase funding application and ensuring that the Development Phase creates a strong legacy platform for long‑term impact. This includes coordinating evaluation planning, risk registers, governance frameworks, and a sustainable funding strategy. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to facilitate collaboration among multiple partners across diverse catchments and disciplines.

TCCEP is a collaborative, catchment‑scale initiative that supports the recovery of the critically endangered European eel by removing migration barriers, restoring river habitats, and reconnecting communities with their local water environments. The project builds on the successful pilot project of the same name.

You will be working closely with project partners including Rivers Trusts, a Wildlife Trust, Zoological Society of London and others.

The role is fixed term for one year, though we would look to extend the role subject to alternative funding being available to cover the period between the end of the Development Phase and commencement of the Delivery Phase (3‑5 months). Standard working week is 37.5 hours, with flexible working arrangements considered. The role will require working from home but will entail travel to meetings across the Thames Basin, and working outdoors in varying conditions.

The Programme Manager will be responsible for: Oversight of programme development, partner coordination, timeline management, and funding bid preparation.

FTE : 1.0 • Contract Type : Fixed term (12 months) • Start Date : February – March 2026 (subject to The National Lottery Heritage Fund Permission to Start) • Salary Range : £40,000 – £45,000, depending on experience • Location : Home‐based with regular travel to London and Thames Basin partner locations • Hours of Work : 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evening or weekend commitments • Annual Leave : 25 days per year plus public holidays • Probation Period : 3 months, during which annual leave is by agreement only • Pension : TRT operates a contributory pension scheme; details available on request.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme Management and Delivery
• Lead day‑to‑day coordination of all Development Phase activities across partner organisations. You will be supported by a team including a Learning & Engagement Officer, Finance & Admin Officer and four external consultants (activity, conservation, interpretation, evaluation), alongside the TRT CEO and key staff from the delivery partners.
• Manage and update the programme timeline, risk register, and delivery plan.
• Oversee preparation and submission of the Delivery Phase application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
• Track milestones and ensure high‑quality deliverables across capital planning, education, evaluation, and engagement workstreams.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: convene and chair monthly partner meetings and quarterly Programme Board meetings; act as the central contact for The Heritage Fund, Environment Agency, and strategic stakeholders; facilitate input from delivery partners, ensuring alignment with shared priorities and timelines.
• Communications and Reporting: support production of communication materials including briefings, reports, and evaluation summaries; collate and submit regular updates to The Heritage Fund; ensure clear and effective internal communications among partners.
• Legacy and Strategy: lead development of the project legacy strategy and post‑2030 sustainability plans; coordinate funding strategy work with TRT’s Fundraising Officer; embed climate resilience, equity, and inclusion principles across project planning.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven track record of managing complex, multi‑partner programmes.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with funder reporting and application development (preferably The Heritage Fund or equivalent).
• Ability to manage timelines, budgets, and risk registers with minimal supervision.
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative working style.

Desirable

• Knowledge of river restoration, catchment management, or eel ecology.
• Experience with The National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funders.
• Familiarity with Thames catchment geography and delivery networks.
• Experience using collaborative tools and evaluation frameworks in multi‑stakeholder programmes.
• Understanding of equity and inclusion in environmental programme design.

Additional Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits and meetings.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Thames Basin and London region.

Application Process

To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a one‑page covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role.

Deadline

11.59 pm Friday 16th January 2026
Interviews: 27th – 30th January 2026.