Location
Hybrid, flexible, based at Thames21 office in Guildhall and/or Bromley by Bow, London.

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
£42,546 - £48,846 (Manager Band B, Manager Band C)

About the Role
Thames21 is an environmental charity working across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers and connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces. We are seeking an energetic, experienced, and committed Catchment Partnerships Programme Manager to lead our team of Catchment Partnership hosts. This role involves overseeing the development of 10 hosted and co-hosted Catchment Partnerships across diverse urban and rural river catchments spanning London and the wider Thames Basin. Each partnership is developed according to local partners’ vision and the character of the area and river.

The primary aim is to deliver the Catchment Based Approach and achieve tangible on-the-ground improvements for clean, healthy rivers that provide social benefits to communities. The successful candidate will have operational catchment-level experience and management expertise, taking a strategic overview of all partnerships and guiding the team to enhance delivery across four priority themes: stakeholder and community engagement, project identification and development, successful fundraising, and knowledge sharing to foster inclusive, collaborative, cross-boundary working.

This role also leads efforts to secure resilient funding for the Catchment Officer/host roles by working closely with partner organisations to increase investment in catchment partnerships, ensuring the delivery of healthy rivers and catchments.

Key Responsibilities
- Develop Catchment Partnership networks and ensure delivery against catchment and sub-catchment action plans.
- Lead administration, reporting, and line management of the Catchment Partnership team.
- Oversee the Catchment Partnership Team budget and proactively address funding shortfalls.
- Develop partnership value to encourage investment in host roles.
- Support strategic work with external stakeholders including the River Partnerships in London (RiPL) group.
- Collaborate with Environment Agency catchment coordinators on multi-year strategic approaches.
- Lead strategic technical funding bids and support fundraising for river catchment improvement projects.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of Thames21’s Improving Rivers Team and organisational sustainability.
- Arrange, host, and coordinate Catchment Partnership meetings including agendas, minutes, and actions.
- Oversee delivery of strategic projects.

This role requires flexibility to undertake other reasonable duties consistent with Thames21’s activities.

Experience
Operational experience at catchment level and proven management experience. Experience in stakeholder engagement, project development, fundraising, and partnership coordination is essential.

About you
Energetic, committed, and strategic thinker with excellent leadership and communication skills. Able to work collaboratively across diverse partners and stakeholders. Passionate about environmental conservation and community engagement. Comfortable managing budgets and leading teams.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in environmental management, ecology, or related fields are desirable but not explicitly stated. A strong track record in catchment management and partnership delivery is essential.