About this role
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced, motivated and collaborative leader to take on the role of Service Manager for the North East Farm Business Support Service, an exciting regional programme supporting farm businesses and rural communities across the North East.
Working within our Park Management Directorate, you’ll provide strategic leadership for the service on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority and key regional partners. You’ll manage a small project team, oversee programme delivery and budgets, and act as a key ambassador for the project locally, regionally and nationally.
This is a high-profile role offering the opportunity to shape and showcase innovative support for farming, land management and rural enterprise during a period of significant change for the sector.
What you’ll be doing
1. Leading the strategic development and delivery of the North East Farm Business Support Service
2. Managing and supporting a small team, fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture
3. Working closely with delivery partners including Northumberland County Council, Durham County Council, Gateshead Council and the North East Combined Authority
4. Holding overall responsibility for budget management, claims, reporting and programme governance
5. Promoting and showcasing the programme internally and externally, including engagement with land managers, education providers, food and drink initiatives and the agri-tech sector
6. Leading monitoring, evaluation and reporting to funding bodies and partner organisations
7. Preparing and presenting reports to ensure effective governance, compliance and accountability
About you
You’ll bring a strong mix of strategic thinking, partnership working and practical delivery experience, along with a genuine understanding of farming and rural economies.
We’re looking for someone who has:
8. Degree-level education in a land-based or project management discipline (or equivalent experience)
9. Strong knowledge of farm businesses and the policy landscape affecting farming and rural communities
10. Proven experience of managing people, projects and budgets, ideally within grant-funded programmes
11. Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with landowners, partners and senior stakeholders
12. Experience of collaborative partnership working and externally delivered contracts
13. The ability to lead independently, build relationships and engage stakeholders early and effectively
Why join us?
14. Be part of a forward-thinking National Park Authority with strong values and a collaborative culture
15. Play a key role in shaping the future of farming and rural enterprise in the North East
16. Flexible hybrid working and the chance to work across one of the UK’s most inspiring landscapes
17. Work on a flagship regional programme with real impact for farm businesses and communities
How to apply
If this role sounds like it’s for you, then we really would like to hear from you.
Northumberland National Park Authority is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class. If you are an applicant with disabilities who meets the essential requirements of the post, we will interview you.