Location
Flexible - Contracted to the nearest Natural Resources Wales (NRW) office to your home with a suitable hybrid working pattern agreed on appointment.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£52,268 - £57,726 (Grade 8)

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Programme Manager to lead Natur am Byth, Wales’ largest ever species recovery and public engagement initiative. This multi-million-pound programme unites Natural Resources Wales and nine leading environmental charities to protect threatened species and inspire communities across Wales. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the delivery of 11 place-based conservation projects and 10 national work packages, managing a central team and supporting a wider network of over 20 staff. You will be responsible for programme governance, financial oversight, and reporting to senior stakeholders including funders and government partners.

You will be part of the Strategic Projects team within the Operations Directorate, reporting to the Strategic Projects Manager – Nature Recovery. The role offers flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate professionals across Wales and beyond. Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on 24th and 25th November. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Key responsibilities include leading the implementation of the Natur am Byth Programme, ensuring governance aligns with NRW Portfolio Management Office processes and PRINCE2 or MSP methodologies, forecasting and controlling the programme budget, managing multidisciplinary project groups, and acting as NRW’s client manager with external partners. You will also provide expert advice, present complex issues to stakeholders, and advocate strongly for species conservation and societal benefits across Wales.

The role requires commitment to health and safety duties, equal opportunities and diversity policies, and personal development through NRW’s Sgwrs personal development plan. Additional reasonable duties commensurate with the grade may be requested.

Experience
- Proven experience in complex programme management including budget management, staff management, and work programming.
- Experience managing projects with mixed income streams including charitable and public funding (e.g., National Lottery Heritage Fund).
- Demonstrated ability to lead and direct partnership initiatives involving internal and external partners.
- Experience with people engagement, public consultation methods, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience overseeing monitoring, evaluation, and impact of projects including data collection, KPIs, and reporting to funders.

About you
- Skilled leader with a commitment to nature recovery.
- Strong team working and communication skills.
- Ability to present complex issues to a range of stakeholders including the public, community groups, MPs, and Senedd Members.
- Committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and personal development.
- Willingness to undertake health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role.

Qualifications
- Recognised professional or technical qualification in programme or project management, or equivalent relevant knowledge.
- Knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU biodiversity legislation and policy drivers.
- Knowledge of site conservation management techniques.
- Welsh language requirement: Essential Level A1 (entry level) - ability to understand basic phrases and pronounce Welsh names correctly. NRW offers learning support to meet this requirement during employment.