Cheshire West and Chester Council is recruiting a visionary leader to direct Trees for Climate – a national programme focused on woodland establishment, funded by Defra. Delivered in partnership with England’s Community Forests, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust, this initiative will have a positive impact on half of England's population.
You’ll lead strategic delivery, manage partnerships, oversee budgets, and advocate for nature-based climate solutions. We’re seeking a proven Programme Director with experience in large-scale initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight. Passion for sustainability, innovation, continuous improvement and biodiversity is essential.
This is a rare opportunity to influence national policy, drive climate resilience, and leave a lasting legacy.
Apply now to be part of one of England’s most ambitious environmental programmes.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.
Lead one of England’s most ambitious environmental regeneration programmes.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is looking for an outstanding leader to head the Trees for Climate programme—a four-year national initiative, funded by Defra, focused on establishing new woodlands across England's Community Forests. Building on the success of the first phase of Trees for Climate, this next phase will be delivered in partnership with England's Community Forests, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust.
As the Programme Director, you will be responsible for delivering large-scale environmental outcomes, ensuring financial and quality standards in the scheme, leading the Programme Management Office, and providing regular updates to Defra on all aspects of the programme. You will work closely with Community Forests across England, the Community Forest Trust, the Woodland Trust, and the National Trust.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Trees for Climate program.
- Continue to develop financial and program monitoring processes and reporting systems that meet the requirements of a program of this scale.
- Collaborate with Community Forests and national delivery partners to achieve ambitious woodland creation targets.
- Engage with Defra, funders, and stakeholders to align with national environmental goals.
- Direct additional fundraising efforts and manage a substantial program budget.
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to demonstrate impact and inform future policy.
- Advocate for sustainable land management and community well-being through forest-based regeneration.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience as a Programme Director for large-scale initiatives.
- Strong understanding of UK environmental funding mechanisms and public sector engagement.
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Expertise in financial forecasting and budget management.
- A passionate commitment to environmental sustainability, and biodiversity.
- A strategic thinker with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
- Innovative and resilient, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Values that align with those of Cheshire West and Chester Council and England’s Community Forests.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a nationally significant program that will shape the UK's environmental landscape for generations to come. You will work with dedicated partners, influence policy, and create a lasting legacy in climate action and community regeneration
To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see
No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!
Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the for more information.
Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £ per hour for all contracted hours.