Location
Remote/Hybrid – Oxfordshire preferable but open to other locations within the Thames Valley catchment area, with flexible working arrangements.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£38,346 per annum

About the Role
Thames21 is an environmental charity working across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact nature-based solutions addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers and connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces. We inspire long-term stewardship of these environments. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to our success, and we actively promote a collaborative and innovative working culture.

The Catchment Manager will lead Thames21’s Thames Valley catchment programme (covering broadly Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire) in line with our 5-year plan and future strategies. This role involves building and sustaining a team focused on reducing diffuse pollution, increasing biodiversity, improving water quality, and supporting agricultural businesses to implement environmental improvements and nature-friendly farming practices.

The postholder will take a strategic overview of the programme, guiding growth both thematically and geographically, with key outcomes including working with 20 farmers annually to reduce diffuse pollution and flood risk, advising on nature-based solutions and grant funding, planting 30,000 trees each year, and supporting river restoration and catchment-scale monitoring targets. The role also involves increasing Thames21’s presence in the Thames Valley by identifying opportunities and collaborating with NGOs and regional Rivers Trusts.

This is a relatively new area of work for Thames21 and may include supporting projects such as Catchment Partnerships, Farm Clusters, and Natural Flood Management. The Catchment Manager will also lead efforts to progress Thames21’s resilience strategy by working closely with the Fundraising Team, Catchment Partnership Team, and partners to increase investment for healthy, resilient rivers and catchments. Additional duties may include supporting other Thames21 projects and funding applications as needed.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage delivery of diverse projects within the catchment programme.
- Develop team scope, strategy, and action plans to meet 5-year plan targets.
- Collaborate with expert stakeholders (statutory bodies, NGOs, academics) and non-expert groups (community groups, volunteers) to develop, fund, and deliver projects.
- Work closely with senior Thames21 staff to develop funding applications and steer programme direction.
- Develop and expand the Thames Valley catchment programme ensuring integration with other Thames21 teams.
- Secure diverse funding sources and manage project budgets including financial reporting.
- Lead project delivery, monitor progress, and implement risk mitigation.
- Manage and support staff through training, appraisals, workload management, and health and safety compliance.
- Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, funders, landowners, and external stakeholders.
- Provide farm advisory support, generate reports including GIS mapping, and maintain environmental opportunity databases.
- Advocate catchment-based approaches internally and externally.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and data management.
- Support production of publicity materials and represent Thames21’s work publicly.
- Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role as required.

Experience
Proven operational experience and knowledge at catchment scale, including project and people management. Experience working with agricultural businesses and environmental improvement projects is essential. Demonstrated ability to secure and manage funding and deliver complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders.

About you
Strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and the ability to develop and grow a team. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, able to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners including statutory bodies, NGOs, academics, community groups, and volunteers. Passionate about environmental conservation, nature-based solutions, and sustainable land and water management. Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently within a flexible working environment.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in environmental management, ecology, agriculture, or related fields are desirable but not explicitly stated. A commitment to Thames21’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential.