Farming And Catchment Programme Manager

Kent Wildlife Trust; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in the City of Westminster is seeking a motivated leader to guide its efforts in restoring nature across Kent. This senior role involves leading teams, managing projects, and building partnerships with stakeholders for sustainable farming and species recovery. The ideal candidate will have expertise in UK farming systems, regenerative agriculture, and strong leadership skills. The role offers flexible work options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Wellbeing initiatives

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of UK farming systems and agri-environment policy.
• Experience delivering catchment or landscape-scale projects.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop landowner engagement and farm cluster teams.
• Build partnerships to deliver nature recovery projects.
• Oversee landscape-scale initiatives and funding management.
• Represent KWT as an expert in agriculture and nature recovery.

Skills

Knowledge of UK farming systems

Experience in regenerative agriculture

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Budget management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Kent Wildlife Trust is looking for a motivated and experienced leader to guide our work with farmers, landowners and partners to help restore nature across Kent. In this new senior role, you will lead a team that supports farm clusters, improves the health of Kent's rivers and catchments, and helps develop opportunities for nature-based projects that bring income back into conservation. You will oversee our work in key areas including the River Beult, the Low Weald, the Stour Catchment and East Kent. You will also help deliver major projects, such as the Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Scheme and early plans for an East Kent Nature Investment Zone. Working closely with our conservation teams, you'll support landowner engagement for exciting species recovery projects, including pine marten, chough and the licensed release of beavers. If you enjoy building partnerships, supporting sustainable farming, managing teams and making a real difference for wildlife and landscapes, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing KWT's landowner engagement, farm cluster and catchment teams, including budgets, project delivery and staff performance.
• Building strong partnerships with farmers, landowners, water companies, government bodies and other stakeholders to create and deliver new nature recovery projects.
• Overseeing and supporting landscape-scale initiatives, including catchment restoration, farm cluster work and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) opportunities.
• Working closely with internal teams and external partners to advance green finance initiatives such as Biodiversity Net Gain, Wilder Carbon, nutrient neutrality and emerging ecosystem markets.
• Contributing to major strategic programmes, including the East Kent Nature Investment Zone and Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Scheme.
• Identifying, securing and managing funding with support from KWT's bid writing and project teams.
• Representing KWT as an expert voice in agriculture, catchment management and nature recovery, influencing policy and best practice.
• Managing and mentoring staff, setting clear objectives and KPIs to ensure high-quality, effective delivery across your department.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of UK farming systems, regenerative agriculture, and agri-environment policy, alongside experience delivering catchment- or landscape-scale projects. They will have excellent stakeholder engagement skills, proven project and budget management experience, and a clear understanding of natural capital, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions. Strong team leadership and line management abilities, combined with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, are essential.

We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and adults at risk. All our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to references, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and other relevant employment checks as appropriate to the role.

Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. We inspire, empower, and engage people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities to change the natural world for the better. We cultivate inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, and everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

Benefits

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.