Location
Wheatley, Oxfordshire (OX33 1XW)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£53,000 per annum

About the Role
The River Thame Conservation Trust and the Thame Catchment Partnership are launching an ambitious Smarter Water Catchment (SWC) programme for the Thame Catchment, funded by Thames Water. This programme aims to identify solutions to pressures on river health by leveraging local insights and partner organisation capabilities, focusing on non-capital activities while identifying shovel-ready capital solutions for future funding. The role of Smarter Water Catchment Programme Manager is to lead the delivery of this programme, developing catchment-scale interventions and driving behavioural and organisational change to improve water quality, enhance the aquatic environment, and support sustainable land and water management.

The postholder will evaluate existing evidence, commission new data and investigations, identify necessary interventions, and secure delivery foundations including landowner agreements and stakeholder buy-in. Integration with key partners and alignment with their plans and priorities is essential. The role includes managing project resources, building strong partnerships, and ensuring successful delivery of outcomes, budgets, and reporting. Leadership of a growing project team and collaboration with Thames Water, landowners, farmers, local authorities, environmental organisations, and other stakeholders is key to maximising impact across the catchment.

Leadership & Management
Lead operational delivery within agreed timescales, budgets, and performance targets. Identify recruitment needs, develop business cases, and lead the wider RTCT SWC team to optimise resources and delivery.

Operational Responsibilities
Work with project teams and partners to identify needs and develop delivery plans, commission and oversee external tasks, implement monitoring and reporting processes, support the Project Director and Steering Group, manage risks and opportunities, and maintain an adaptable project programme.

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with Thames Water and partner organisations, facilitate collaboration to maximise environmental benefits, and act as an ambassador for catchment-based water management.

Compliance & Governance
Ensure compliance with contractual, funding, environmental, and organisational policies. Prepare high-quality reports and maintain accurate records. Ensure health and safety requirements are met.

Financial Responsibilities
Manage project budget and expenditure, monitor financial performance, prepare forecasts and claims, ensure value for money, and pursue additional funding opportunities including emerging private markets for ecosystem services.

Continuous Improvement
Implement a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework, capture lessons learned, apply best practices from other programmes, and develop approaches to sustain the programme legacy beyond its current four-year period through blended funding models.

Experience
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the water sector or environmental field is required.

About You
Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to build and maintain partnerships. Technical knowledge of catchment management and organisational remits. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Ability to work collaboratively across multiple organisations and sectors. Proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering environmental improvements.

Legally entitled to live and work in the UK.

Ability to commute or relocate to Wheatley, Oxfordshire (OX33 1XW).

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in environmental management, water resources, or related disciplines are desirable but not explicitly stated. Emphasis is on experience and capability to deliver the programme.

Benefits
Company pension (6% employee contribution plus 9% employer contribution)
Life insurance
Home working
Flexitime
Free on-site parking