Project Manager - Nature

West Midlands Combined Authority; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional development authority in Birmingham is seeking a Nature Projects Delivery Manager to lead environmental projects and secure funding. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management and communication skills, with a proven track record in managing nature-based initiatives. This role offers a competitive benefits package and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the local environment.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

28 days paid annual leave

EV car benefit scheme

Discounted gym membership

3 days paid volunteer leave

Interest-free financing for technology

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading environmental or nature-based projects from concept through to delivery.
• Experience working across a range of stakeholders and sectors.
• Strong understanding of natural capital and ecosystem services.
• Excellent project planning, coordination, and delivery skills.
• Experience managing people or resources within a project environment.
• Skilled at writing and interpreting reports and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery mechanisms for nature recovery projects.
• Coordinate the nature project pipeline ensuring readiness.
• Drive collaboration with local authorities and partners.
• Secure and manage funding, supporting delivery partners.
• Support the development of nature markets and innovative finance mechanisms.
• Report impact to stakeholders and funders.

Skills

Leadership in environmental projects

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Budget management

Education

Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2)

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Nature Projects Delivery Manager to join our Environment Team at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

Our natural environment programme has grown significantly in recent years. From the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) to our pioneering Nature Investment Hub, we're building a strong pipeline of projects at different stages of readiness and delivery.

This role will be central to making those projects happen by providing leadership, structure, and momentum. You'll work with a wide range of partners, helping secure investment, drive collaboration, and ensure our nature recovery work is coordinated, impactful, and well-governed.

Learn more about our natural environment work here: How we're improving our natural environment in the West Midlands

Responsibilities

What you will be doing.

• Lead delivery mechanisms for nature recovery projects, supporting priority actions from the LNRS and wider programme.
• Coordinate the nature project pipeline, ensuring high-potential initiatives are investment-ready and progressing smoothly.
• Drive collaboration, building strong relationships with local authorities, Wildlife Trusts, Natural England, the Environment Agency, and other partners.
• Secure and manage funding, supporting delivery partners and managing budgets, milestones, and reporting.
• Support the development of nature markets, contributing to the design of innovative finance mechanisms and the mobilisation of private investment.
• Line manage our Nature Projects Delivery Officer and support governance forums, stakeholder workshops and engagement activity.
• Report impact, providing updates to internal stakeholders, funders, and regional partners.

Qualifications

What's Essential.

We're looking for someone who can combine technical environmental understanding with strong project management and people skills.

• Proven experience leading environmental or nature-based projects from concept through to delivery.
• Experience working across a range of stakeholders and sectors, including local authorities, NGOs, or arm's-length bodies.
• Strong understanding of natural capital, ecosystem services and/or nature finance.
• Excellent project planning, coordination, and delivery skills.
• Experience managing people or resources within a project environment.
• Skilled at writing and interpreting reports, managing budgets, and working with data and KPIs.
• Confident communicator who can build trust and represent WMCA at regional and national forums.
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 Foundation) or equivalent experience.

Location

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement.Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application.Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications

Your uploaded CV won't be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it's your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([e-mail]).

Salary and benefits

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more)
• EV car benefit scheme
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writingandmortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We're a Disability Confident Employer with Leader' status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).