Term: 24-month initial term (with potential to extend subject to funding). Flexible start date.
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week). Part time hours considered.
Salary: £34,130 p.a
Pension: NEST pension scheme
Holidays: 25 days plus statutory holidays
Place of work: Hybrid office (Stowmarket) and home working with regular travel throughout the Chelmer Catchment.
The Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust are looking for a River Chelmer Projects Manager to lead the delivery of innovative Natural Flood Management projects across the River Chelmer and its tributaries. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in fluvial geomorphology, river restoration, environmental or water engineering, ideally supported by project management experience or chartered status (achieved or in progress). This is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver projects that bring multiple benefits, from enhancing biodiversity and habitats to reducing flood risk and strengthening connections with wider environmental initiatives.
Working closely with landowners, partners and local communities, you will create and implement nature-based solutions within the Chelmer catchment. You will oversee all stages of project development, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to securing permissions and delivering practical works on the ground.
The role will involve building strong partnerships, particularly with the Environment Agency and local stakeholders, to ensure projects are complementary and achieve maximum impact. You will also engage with residents and volunteers, helping to inspire and involve local communities in river projects.
A key aspect of the role will be identifying and securing funding, maintaining a pipeline of projects at different stages, and managing project budgets effectively. You will also showcase completed projects through events and case studies, sharing successes and creating opportunities for future collaboration.
This is a rewarding role for someone who is passionate about rivers, habitats and people, with the chance to make a lasting difference to the River Chelmer catchment and beyond.
Main Responsibilities
* Working with a wide range of stakeholders, identify projects which could provide Natural Flood Management benefits.
* Undertake development of outline design and feasibility of projects which can be used to cost up the detailed design and consents process.
* Seek funding for the delivery of projects (or suite of projects if complementary).
* Oversee the set-up and co-ordination of project governance, including recording of meetings and effective communication.
* Oversee the detailed design process and obtain relevant licenses and consents.
* Manage the construction phase of projects in line with CDM requirements, overseeing contractors and site managers in the Client role.
* Draft reports required by the funders to meet the funding providers requirements.
* Work with community groups support and to produce supportive information for the work being developed or delivered.
* Work with staff within the ESRT to maintain communication about the work through webpages and to ensure content is regularly provided to update Essex River Hub and partner news items.
* Produce and track time, cost and quality on all projects.
Experience
* Experience in managing and co-ordinating nature-based solution projects or similar and understanding environmental permitting.
* Experience of managing contracts and contractors.
* Experience in arranging, preparing and recording meetings and disseminating and sharing information from the meetings.
* Experience in preparing and using health and safety protocols, such as risk assessments & method statements and understanding and implementing CDM Regulations
* Experience in workshop planning, management, and delivery.
* Experience using IT software including email, MS Word, GIS, CAD, PowerPoint, Excel and MS Teams.
View the full job description and applicant pack on our website:
If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team making a lasting impact on our local environment, we invite you to submit your CV and a personal statement detailing your interest in and suitability for the position. The statement must be a maximum of two A4 pages, please send this with your CV to
The closing date for this role is 11PM Sunday 5th October
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months
Pay: £34,130.00 per year
Application question(s):
* This is a hybrid role that will require regular travel to our office and project sites in Suffolk. Will you be able to reliably commute to our office in Stowmarket and project sites in the Chelmer catchment?
* Do you have any relevant qualifications at degree level? For example in Fluvial Geomorphology, River Management and Restoration, Environmental or Water Engineering
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stowmarket IP14 1BE