The Greater Thames Estuary is one of the most important wetland landscapes in Europe, supporting significant populations of migrating and wintering birds as well as a diverse range of rare wetland plants, mammals and invertebrates. Faced with multiple challenges, from the effects of climate change to the pressures of urban development and changes in land use, this landscape is now under threat; vital habitats are deteriorating, and biodiversity is in decline. 

With funding from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund and in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, Essex Wildlife Trust, Kent Wildfowling & Conservation Association, and Elmley Nature Reserve, the RSPB are embarking on A Greener Thames, a programme of landscape-scale restoration and enhancement across the Greater Thames Estuary. 

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Project Manager to coordinate and deliver the programme, primarily in Kent but also supporting project delivery in Essex. You’ll be working with people from across our partner organisations as well as contractors, consultants, local landowners and communities so excellent communication skills and a people-focussed approach are essential. 

Proven project management skills are a must for this role and a knowledge of land management for conservation, including an understanding of acquiring consents, the tender process and overseeing groundworks would be beneficial. Most importantly, you’ll be highly organised, adaptable and resilient with the energy to deliver transformational change for nature across the Greater Thames Estuary. 

Key areas of work will include: 

• Responsibility for all aspects of project coordination and delivery across project sites in Kent. 
• Coordinating partner activities across Kent. 
• Working with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that the project is embraced by them. 
• Manage the project budget ensuring that necessary changes are escalated and approved. 
• Recruit, induct and line manage the seasonal surveyor for Kent. 
• Supporting the delivery of project elements in Essex.  
• Identify, record, manage and communicate risks and issues, putting in place appropriate contingency actions where required. 
• Ensuring that the design of works delivers the best outcomes for nature. 
• Working with landowners to acquire all relevant consents and licences. 
• Managing the procurement and contractor tendering process. 
• Managing and overseeing consultants & contractors. 
• Reporting and claiming - produce the relevant project documentation to meet the requirements of the RSPB, our partners and our funders. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Energy, enthusiasm and adaptability to ensure that a complex programme of works is delivered on budget, on time and delivers the best outcomes for nature. 
• Excellent communication skills. 
• Well organised approach to work. 
• Experience of contractor management. 
• Knowledge and experience of acquiring planning permissions, consents, derogations etc, is desirable. 
• Experience of procurement and contractor tendering processes is desirable. 
• Knowledge of land management for conservation is desirable. 
• Experience of delivering large-scale/ complex projects/ programmes is desirable. 

The successful candidate for this role can be based flexibly within England, but will require weekly travel to the project area in the Greater Thames Estuary. We will also be recruiting a Programme Manager for the Greener Thames project and anticipate interviewing for the Programme Manager and Project Manager on the same day. We very much welcome applications made by individuals to both roles. 

This is a Contract, Full Time role for approximately 18 months (until 31st March 2023). The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. For further information please contact Alan.Johnson@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a full application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.