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

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.

The Catchment Manager will drive forward Thames21’s Thames Valley catchment programme (covering 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, planting 30,000 trees each year, contributing to river restoration and catchment-scale monitoring, and increasing Thames21’s presence in the Thames Valley by collaborating with NGOs and regional Rivers Trusts.

This role is relatively new within Thames21 and may involve supporting a range of projects such as Catchment Partnerships, Farm Clusters, and Natural Flood Management. The Catchment Manager will also lead the progression of Thames21’s resilience strategy by working closely with the Fundraising Team, Catchment Partnership Team, and partner organisations to increase private and public investment for healthy, resilient rivers and catchments.

Additional responsibilities 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 catchment 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 strategies.
- Manage and support staff through training, appraisals, workload balancing, 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 in water and land management.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate project documentation and data systems.
- Support production of publicity materials and represent Thames21’s work to wider audiences.

This job description is not exhaustive and the postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role.

Experience
Operational experience and knowledge at catchment scale, including project and people management. Experience working with farmers, landowners, and multiple stakeholders to deliver environmental improvements is essential. Proven ability to secure and manage funding and budgets.

About you
Strategic thinker with strong leadership and team development skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Passionate about environmental conservation, nature-based solutions, and community involvement. Able to work collaboratively across diverse teams and organisations. Flexible and adaptable to evolving priorities.

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.