South Downs National Park Authority
Chief Executive
Location: Midhurst, West Sussex
Salary: £109,211 - £128,029 (depending on experience)
The South Downs is England’s newest National Park and sits in a beautiful part of Southern England. While the Authority might be new - established in 2010 - the 1,600km2 of England’s most valued lowland landscapes have been shaped over millennia by the environment and people who live and work here. Its inspirational and varied landscapes, internationally important wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant market towns and villages all hold a special place in the hearts of millions.
The Authority has three clear priorities: Nature Recovery; Climate Action; and a National Park for All and delivery of these is coupled with and underpinned by the performance of our statutory planning function. Since our inception, we have been able to deliver real impacts on the ground and we continue to work with our partners to improve our landscape, restore nature, cut carbon, benefit our communities and businesses, and all those who visit and enjoy the Park.
Our new Chief Executive will lead our committed staff team, working with Authority members and our partners, to move the organisation in to a new and exciting phase of its development. While this will not be without challenges, this is a unique opportunity for an inspirational and creative leader to bring vision, ambition and drive to support the Authority as it secures its objectives, and makes sure the special landscapes and communities of the Park continue to thrive for generations to come.
We are seeking a leader with drive, resilience and self-awareness who can engender the trust and confidence of our Members and stakeholders, and who can energise and engage a committed workforce of staff and volunteers. You will have a track record of successful senior leadership in a diverse and multi-stakeholder environment, with strong commercial and political acumen. While we are open to a range of backgrounds, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the role of a National Park and ideally bring knowledge of environmental, nature, and social and economic wellbeing issues. Above all you will share our ambition for ensuring both the National Park, and the Authority, is an inclusive place for everyone.
If you believe you have the right qualities and experience to lead the Authority and champion the South Downs National Park, we very much look forward to hearing from you.
To find out more, please contact our recruitment advisers for an informal and confidential discussion:
* Orla Brennan – orla.brennan@gatenbysanderson.com
* Julie Myers – julie.myers@gatenbysanderson.com
* Michelle Atkinson – michelle.atkinson@gatenbysanderson.com
The closing date for applications is midday on Monday 17 June 2024