Severn & Wye Nature Programme Manager

6 months Fixed Term Contract Maternity Cover

0.6-0.8 FTE (21 or 28 hours per week / 3 or 4 days per week depending on candidates experience and circumstances)

Evening and weekend work may be required from time to time. Paid overtime is not available but time off in lieu of hours worked will be given.

Closing date 3rd August 2026
Interviews will be held 17th-21st August 2026

Severn & Wye Nature (SWN) is a partnership of the regions leading environmental organisations bringing together nine Wildlife Trusts alongside The Heart of England Forest WWT the National Trust RSPB Severn Rivers Trust and The Woodland Trust. We are taking action to kickstart natures recovery in the heart of England and Wales. By working collaboratively we can deliver ambitious restoration programmes across a vast landscape linking together nature farming and finance for positive change.

What you will be doing:

As Programme Manager you will provide continuity of leadership during a critical transition period. The focus will be on maintaining strategic direction progressing priority projects and strengthening the programmes position to secure funding and move into delivery. The postholder will not be expected to deliver the full programme workplan but will play a key role in progressing priority opportunities developing early-stage business cases and supporting business development activity with funders buyers and partners.

Working closely with a wide range of partners youll provide strategic leadership and coordination identify and develop new funding opportunities and refine the programmes pipeline of projects to ensure they are aligned with market demand and delivery readiness.

You will have:

• Strong programme management and strategic delivery experience
• Experience developing or contributing to business cases funding bids or investment propositions
• Ability to translate complex projects into clear compelling value propositions
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Experience in environmental programmes natural capital or nature recovery is advantageous

This is a fixed term contract of six months but provided further fundingis secured it could be extended for a further 4-6 months to cover the remainder of the maternity period.

The Trust is committed to building an equal diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

Why work for us - benefits we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service-related holiday (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Salary sacrifice benefits
• Life assurance
• Generous pension - company contribution 7% employee contribution 3%
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Flexible working policy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Employee away days
• Enhanced pay for maternity and adoption leave
• Coaching
• Support with training and development to assist career progression
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world where Shropshires wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff 300 volunteers and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity but we are increasingly working collectively as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.

We value courage respect integrity trust and responsibility. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims we are not judgemental and are inclusive. We want our people to be as diverse as nature so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

As a Disability Confident employer we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.