Location
London-based, primarily Guildhall (EC2V 7HH) and Bow Lock (E3 3JY), with work across Thames21 project locations.

Hours
Full Time - 35 hours per week, permanent contract with hybrid working.

Salary
£55,000 to £60,000 per annum.

About the Role
As Head of Improving Rivers at Thames21, you will lead and grow the Improving Rivers Team to deliver high-quality river restoration, catchment management, and environmental evidence programmes. You will contribute to organisational growth and strategic partnerships, driving the strategic development of the Improving Rivers portfolio aligned with Thames21’s 2023–2028 plan. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will influence organisational strategy, financial sustainability, risk management, and culture.

Your responsibilities include translating strategy into actionable delivery plans with measurable targets, embedding effective monitoring and evaluation, championing innovation and environmental finance mechanisms, and ensuring robust project governance, risk management, and compliance. You will oversee Health & Safety and CDM compliance, act as a Duty Senior Manager on a rota basis, and maintain portfolio measurement indices.

You will lead, motivate, and develop Improving Rivers Managers and staff, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture with a focus on wellbeing and professional development. You will hold delegated authority for budget setting and expenditure sign-off, support the development of high-quality bids and funding agreements, and contribute to organisational systems and policies.

Externally, you will represent Thames21 with senior stakeholders including the Environment Agency, water companies, local authorities, GLA/mayoral teams, environmental NGOs, funders, and corporate partners. You will build and steward strategic partnerships to enable delivery at scale and unlock new funding and policy influence, acting as a confident spokesperson when required.

Additional duties include ensuring timely and accurate portfolio reporting for SMT and Board, promoting effective use of organisational systems and data, and supporting Thames21’s mission to deliver nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers and connecting communities to green-blue spaces.

Experience
Proven leadership experience in environmental or river restoration programmes, with a strong track record in strategic portfolio development, partnership building, and managing multi-disciplinary teams. Experience working with public bodies, funders, and environmental NGOs is essential. Demonstrable success in financial management, bid development, and delivery of complex projects.

About you
You are a motivated and inspiring leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture. You have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. You are confident representing your organisation at senior levels and skilled in influencing policy and funding landscapes.

Qualifications
Relevant degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, ecology, river restoration, or related fields. Additional qualifications in project management, finance, or leadership are desirable but not essential.