Location
Hybrid, flexible working 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 dedicated to delivering 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 a portfolio 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 uniquely 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 catchment partnerships. You will guide the team to enhance delivery across four priority themes: stakeholder and community engagement, project identification and development, successful fundraising, and inclusive knowledge sharing that fosters collaboration across boundaries.

Additionally, you will lead 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 with Officers/hosts to 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.
- Work with the Head of Improving Rivers and Officers to increase partnership value and investment.
- Support strategic work with external stakeholders, including administering the River Partnerships in London (RiPL) group.
- Collaborate with Environment Agency catchment coordinators on multi-year strategic approaches aligned with national Water Environment Improvement objectives.
- Assist Officers in identifying, developing, and raising funding for river catchment improvement projects, leading strategic funding bids.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Improving Rivers Team and Thames21’s long-term 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
Proven operational experience at catchment level and management experience leading teams. Experience in stakeholder engagement, project development, fundraising, and partnership working is essential.

About you
Energetic, committed, and strategic thinker with excellent leadership and communication skills. Able to work collaboratively with diverse partners and manage multiple priorities. Passionate about environmental restoration and community engagement. Comfortable working in a hybrid and flexible environment.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in environmental management, ecology, or related fields are desirable but not explicitly stated. Demonstrable experience and skills in catchment management and partnership coordination are key.