Farming and Rural Enterprise Manager

Northumberland National Park Authority; Hexham; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumberland National Park Authority is recruiting a Farming and Rural Enterprise Manager to lead the Farming and Rural Enterprise Team and drive land management activity aligned with the 25 Year Environment Plan and Northumberland National Park Management Plan.

You will work with farmers, landowners and partners to deliver nature recovery, resilient farming systems and landscape-scale environmental improvement while supporting policy development at local, regional and national levels.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of agricultural and forestry land management policy and grant schemes.
• Excellent communicator and negotiator, able to influence others.
• Experience with agri-environment schemes and collaborative projects.
• Knowledge of National Parks or protected areas and upland environments advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Farming and Rural Enterprise Team, including work programming and delivery.
• Work with land managers to deliver environmental improvement and habitat connectivity alongside resilient farming systems.
• Develop integrated delivery plans across programmes including Farming in Protected Landscapes and 30 by 30.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy knowledge

Agri-environment schemes

Job description

Northumberland National Park Authority | £41771 - £46142 | Fixed term to 31 March 2029

Help shape the future of farming, land management and nature recovery across one of England’s most spectacular protected landscapes.

We’re looking for an experienced Farming and Rural Enterprise Manager to join Northumberland National Park Authority and lead our Farming and Rural Enterprise Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our ambitions for nature recovery, resilient farming systems and landscape-scale environmental improvement, working directly with farmers, landowners, communities and a wide range of partners.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise, you will lead the development and delivery of land management activity that supports the 25 Year Environment Plan, 30 by 30 ambitions and the objectives of the Northumberland National Park Management Plan, Business Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

• Lead and manage the Farming and Rural Enterprise Team, including work programming and delivery.
• Work with land managers to deliver environmental improvement, habitat connectivity and nature recovery alongside more resilient farming systems.
• Develop integrated delivery plans across programmes including Farming in Protected Landscapes, Wildlife Rich Habitats, 30 by 30 and agri-environment programmes.
• Help drive landscape-scale projects including the Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery project and the North East Farm Business Support Service.
• Provide expert advice on farming, land management, natural capital, nature recovery and rural enterprise.
• Develop strong partnerships with farmers, landowners, agencies, communities and other stakeholders.
• Support policy and strategy development at local, regional and national level.

About you

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of agricultural and forestry land management policy, grant schemes and environmental improvement, together with knowledge of the issues facing rural upland communities.

You’ll be an excellent communicator and negotiator, able to build trusted relationships with landowners and partners and influence others to achieve shared objectives.

You’ll also bring experience of agri-environment schemes, rural grant programmes and collaborative projects, together with the ability to provide specialist advice and translate strategic objectives into practical delivery.

Knowledge of National Parks or protected areas and experience of working in an upland environment would be an advantage.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to the future of farming and nature recovery across Northumberland National Park, working at landscape scale and alongside the people who manage and care for it.

You’ll join an organisation committed to protecting and enhancing this special landscape while supporting sustainable rural communities and businesses.

Location: Rothbury or Hexham, with travel throughout the National Park (some hybrid working available)

Salary: £41771 - 46142 per annum

Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2029