New National Forests Project Manager

This is a defining moment for the National Forest. With a renewed Vision, our purpose is clear: to harness the transformative power of forests to restore nature, connect communities, and drive enterprise for a positive future. Over 30 years, this 200 square mile landscape has been reshaped, more than 10 million trees planted, and forest cover increased from 6% to 26%. Now, we are ready to build on this success within the National Forest itself, enabling three new national forests and championing a forest network for England.

We are now looking for a Project Manager to join us to take forward this work on new national forests. This role is full-time, working 37 hours per week for a fixed-term contract to 31 March 2031, with the potential for extension depending on funding.

Our Commitment to You

- Salary of £43,500 - £48,575
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays
- Staff bonuses
- Flexible working options
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on gym memberships

 Your Role in Growing Our Forest Story

As the New National Forests Project Manager, you’ll lead on effective project management of centralised activities for the three new national forests.

Specifically, you’ll manage the centralised reporting of progress, targets and budgets, liaising closely with the programme managers for each new national forest.

You’ll also provide technical support and advice on land use issues, including forest creation grants delivery, habitat management and land use planning, writing briefings and policy papers.

Additionally, you will:
- Liaise with external partners including government departments, statutory agencies, NGOs and wider partners
- Procure and contract manage consultancy works
- Support communications, advocacy and funding work for new national forests

What You’ll Bring

To be considered as a Project Manager, you will need:
- A relevant degree-level / professional qualification, or at least five years’ work-based experience in a similar role
- Proven experience of project managing partnership projects to deliver positive place-based or environmental outcomes
- Experience of building productive relationships at all levels with external delivery partners and funders
- Knowledge of land use and environmental policy and practice, including incentives and regulation