Project manager jobs in Exeter, devon

Senior Project Manager - Nature South West
Reference: APR20269784
Location: Flexible (within the area covered by Nature South West). The post holder must have the ability to travel throughout the South West where necessary.
Contract: 24 Months Fixed Term
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £40,381.00 - £43,113.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

Do you have a passion for saving nature in the South West of England? This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the next phase of Nature South West (NSW)-a bold regional initiative accelerating large-scale nature recovery through collaboration, technical support, and investment readiness.

Hosted by the RSPB, and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Project Manager will coordinate partners, manage the creation of investable propositions, engage with funders, oversee communications and events, and secure further funding. The ideal candidate will have experience in green finance, nature recovery policy, and multi-stakeholder project delivery. Due to the breadth of the work, the job will be exciting and varied, with a real opportunity to make a big difference to nature.

About Nature South West

The South West of England is rich in natural resources and has the potential to lead the UK in green technologies and nature-based solutions. Its economy is deeply intertwined with the health of its ecosystems, supporting industries like agriculture, tourism, fishing, and renewable energy.

However, the region is under significant pressure from the climate and biodiversity crises, which threaten both its environment and economy. Nature is often overlooked in financial decision-making, and restoration efforts are typically short-term and underfunded.

Nature South West (NSW) has emerged to fill this critical gap. Acting as a regional bridge between local delivery partners and large-scale funders, NSW will bring together expertise and project opportunities to define shared priorities for nature recovery. These priorities will be shaped into investible propositions that meet environmental, economic, and social needs, enabling projects to attract broader and more sustained funding.

NSW is initially focusing on two of the South West’s most vital natural systems: rivers and wetlands, and coastal and marine habitats. These landscapes are not only rich in biodiversity but also critical to the region’s resilience-supporting clean water, carbon storage, flood protection, and local livelihoods. By convening partners, sharing expertise, and championing investible nature recovery opportunities, NSW is positioning the South West as a national leader in nature-based solutions and unlocking new pathways for public and private investment.

Key areas of work will include:

• Responsibility for all aspects of project coordination and delivery of the Nature South West Project Plan, activities and outputs.
• Manage the project budget ensuring that necessary changes are escalated and approved.
• Engaging with stakeholders
• Identify, record, manage and communicate risks and issues, putting in place appropriate contingency actions where required.
• Managing the procurement and contractor tendering process for evaluation, website design/delivery and green finance specialist.
• Managing and overseeing consultants & contractors.
• Reporting and claiming - produce the relevant project documentation to meet the requirements of the RSPB, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, our partners and other funders.

What we need from you:

We’re seeking a dynamic and adaptable individual who can lead a complex programme with confidence and clarity.

Essential skills and experience:

• Energy, enthusiasm, and adaptability to deliver a multi-faceted programme on time and on budget
• Experience in project management, event coordination, and/or communications
• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative
• Experience delivering large-scale, complex projects or programmes
• Knowledge of green finance, particularly in securing blended finance for large-scale environmental projects with co-benefits
• Experience with procurement, tendering, and contractor management
• Understanding of nature recovery priorities in policy and legislation, and how they apply in the South West
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver complex projects; knowledge of South West partners is desirable
• Experience writing business cases or funding bids, and overseeing project delivery and reporting
• Excellent communication skills and a well-organised approach to work

Additional Information

• This is a 24-month Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week which is funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Nature South West programme.
• Reports to: The RSPB, with operational guidance provided by the Nature South West Board, comprising representatives of Natural England, the Environment Agency, National Trust, Blackdown Hills National landscape, NFU, Devon Wildlife Trust, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership.

Closing date: 23:59, Monday 11th May 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side.

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

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

No agencies please.