Senior Project Manager (Spade Oak Lake)

Groundwork South; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Brighton is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead the Spade Oak Nature Reserve project. The role entails managing project budgets, engaging with local communities, and ensuring project outcomes. The ideal candidate will have strong project management and communication skills. This position offers competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Health Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Salary sacrifice schemes

Family-friendly policies

Business travel expenses

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing projects successfully.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with community groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the project to meet outcomes.
• Prepare task and management plans.
• Engage with local community groups.

Skills

Project management

Community engagement

Budget management

Risk assessment

Job description

Job Vacancy – Senior Project Manager (Spade Oak Lake)

Location: Colne Valley Park Visitor Centre, Denham (Hybrid working available)
Contract: Fixed term to 31st March 2028 with potential extension
Salary: FTE £30,940 - £33,000
Hours: 30 hours per week

About the Project

Spade Oak Nature Reserve in Little Marlow is a unique wildlife site owned by Buckinghamshire Council. The reserve features a wet woodland peninsula, a sand spit with restricted access, and a publicly accessible perimeter footpath and open green space. Funded by Thames Water and managed by Groundwork South, the project aims to enhance the sand spit’s habitat for wildlife, improve site access, develop a conservation management plan, and secure a sustainable legacy for the reserve.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and deliver the project to meet agreed outcomes, timelines, and budgets.
• Prepare and consult on a comprehensive task and management plan.
• Commission and oversee surveys, tenders, and practical works.
• Identify and secure additional funding opportunities to enhance the project scope.
• Maintain regular communication with Buckinghamshire Council and Thames Water.
• Engage with local community groups, keeping them informed and involved.
• Assess future management options for the site and develop a legacy plan with stakeholders.
• Begin implementing the legacy plan to ensure a smooth transition post‑grant funding.
• Produce risk assessments and ensure all works meet health and safety standards.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum plus public holidays
• Health Cash Plan and 24‑hour Healthline
• Employee Assistance Programme – including mental health helpline and face‑to‑face counselling
• Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle‑to‑work and pension contributions
• Family‑friendly policies to support work/life balance with time off in lieu for out of hours activities
• Business travel expenses

Application Process

Please send your completed application form, quoting reference ‘SOL25’ to [e-mail]. For further information and to discuss the role please contact Stewart Pomeroy at [e-mail].

Closing date for applications: 27th November 2025
Interview date: First interview (Teams) Tuesday 2nd December
Second interview (in person, at Denham) Monday 8th December

About Groundwork South

Groundwork South works with communities across the south of England to transform their lives and the places where they live. We have been at the forefront of social and environmental regeneration for over 25 years, and today we have a simple mission: to create better places, improve people’s prospects, and promote greener living and working. We are passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny, and no‑one is held back by their background or circumstances. This vision drives the work that we do. Each year we deliver over 100 innovative projects, tackling the biggest issues facing our communities and creating real and lasting, positive change.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.