Location
South Downs Centre, Midhurst (Hybrid Working)

Hours
37 hours per week

Salary
£48,241 to £51,387 per annum

About the Role
The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is responsible for caring for the landscapes, wildlife, and heritage of the National Park, while helping people learn about and enjoy the area. As a protected landscape, the SDNPA plays a critical role in delivering the 30x30 initiative and the Nature Recovery Network (NRN), a national network of wildlife-rich places, alongside the benefits derived from maintaining natural capital assets in good condition.

We are seeking a Strategy Lead to oversee the delivery of nature recovery and water elements within the South Downs National Park Partnership Management Plan 2026-2031. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual passionate about biodiversity and nature recovery, with a strong understanding of the water environment and landscape-scale delivery.

In this role, you will provide high-quality technical advice on biodiversity and water to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, from strategic initiatives such as Local Nature Recovery Strategies to direct action supporting 30x30. You will lead efforts to make the Park more wildlife-rich, develop adaptive management approaches, and secure natural capital benefits for all.

You will also manage the Biodiversity Officer and project roles as opportunities arise. The role requires knowledge of the legislative framework for biodiversity and water, proven project delivery and advisory experience, and the ability to work with and commission spatial, biodiversity, and environmental data to support evidence-based decision making and impact monitoring.

Partnership and collaboration are essential to this role. You will work closely with a diverse range of partners including land managers, statutory bodies, water companies, environmental charities, and colleagues across all SDNPA departments.

If you are motivated to contribute to nature recovery and have the skills to add value to this role, we encourage you to apply.

Experience
Proven technical and interpersonal skills in biodiversity and water environment management.
Experience in project delivery and providing advisory services.
Knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks for biodiversity and water.
Ability to work with spatial, biodiversity, and environmental data to support evidence-based approaches and impact monitoring.
Experience in partnership working and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.

About you
Passionate about biodiversity and nature recovery.
Enthusiastic and motivated to lead landscape-scale delivery and connectivity.
Strong communicator able to engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Committed to evidence-based decision making and innovation.
Capable of managing and supporting team members effectively.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in environmental science, ecology, conservation, or related disciplines are desirable but not explicitly stated.
Demonstrable knowledge and experience in biodiversity and water management are essential.