Nature Ridge Project Development Manager

Nature Ridge Project Development Manager Job Description

Hours per week: 37 hours

Fixed term: Until October 2027

Interview date: Thursday 18 June 2026

Do you want to help two iconic chalk National Landscapes and a National Trail adapt in the face of climate change? We are seeking an experienced Development Manager to lead our Nature Ridge Landscape Connections project at its formative stage. Working closely with partners and a wide range of stakeholders, you will shape the programme, identify opportunities, assemble and submit a strong Development Application.

Nature Ridge Landscape Connections project (NRLC) is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) through the Landscape Connections programme. This aims to put landscapes into recovery supporting habitats and species alongside rich cultural heritage in better connected, working landscapes and to enable people to connect with nature and the environment. This development work will align with NLHF priorities and support the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns' Nature Recovery Plans, National Landscape Management Plans, emerging Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plans, and County Local Nature Recovery Strategies.

This role is a rewarding opportunity for a creative, innovative person with excellent people skills, strong landscape and habitat knowledge, and proven experience guiding teams to define development needs and secure funding. You will be self motivated, highly organised, and confident working in partnership across conservation, landscape, or land management sectors, ideally with local knowledge of these landscapes, their wildlife, heritage and communities. You will be an outstanding communicator, able to build trusted relationships with farmers, land managers and conservation bodies. Experience of developing and managing Lottery and/or Defra funded projects is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Nature Ridge Landscape Connections project at its formative stage.
• Shape the programme and identify opportunities for development.
• Assemble and submit a strong Development Application.
• Work closely with partners and a wide range of stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience guiding teams in defining development needs and securing funding.
• Strong landscape and habitat knowledge.
• Excellent people skills and ability to build trusted relationships with farmers, land managers and conservation bodies.
• Experience of developing and managing Lottery and/or Defra funded projects.
• Self motivated, highly organised, and confident working in partnership across conservation, landscape or land management sectors.

Job Info

• Job Identification 7269
• Posting Date 05/15/2026, 03:38 PM
• Working Pattern Temporary Full time
• Job Areas Climate & Environment
• Locations Units 3 and 4, Hungerford, RG17 0UN, GB