Head of Development and Commercial
Purpose: To develop new partnerships and innovative funding opportunities for Norfolk Rivers Trust and Rivers Ecology
Responsible to: CEO
Location: Office at Bayfield near Holt. Visits across Norfolk, Cam and Ely Ouse (CamEO) and potentially further afield
Job term: Full-time, 37.5 per week
Annual Leave Entitlement: 25 days plus 8 days bank holidays pro rata.
Salary details: Grade 5: £44,500 – £46,000 (9% employer Pension Contribution)
Norfolk Rivers Trust’s ambition is to deliver catchment-scale change to our water environment, protecting our watercourses from pollution, improving habitat and ecological functioning of streams and rivers and enhancing resilience to climate change.
It’s an exciting time in for the Trust, having grown to a team of 30 since it began in 2011, and we are delivering major projects such as river re-meandering and flood plain connections, farming and land management advice, new constructed wetlands, species re-introductions and community engagement.
But there is so much more to do. We see the growing interest in protecting and improving the environment such as through corporate ESG, as a major opportunity. This role is key to turning that opportunity into a reality, attracting new funding through biodiversity net gain (BNG), Landscape Recovery and ELMS, private finance, water industry and wider commercial activity through corporate partnerships to deliver catchment-scale change.
Taking an oversight of the Trust’s commercial activity, we are looking for an individual with an ambitious, entrepreneurial approach to develop and exploit the new environmental funding sector and develop major water projects with a range of external partners.
Working across the Trust and Rivers Ecology (the trading arm of Norfolk Rivers Trust), you will scope and pull together new bids for grants and tenders for the commercial activities.
The successful applicant will join the Senior Management Team and will work strategically to look at delivering the business plan in place for continuing current partnerships and relationships whilst also looking at future growth. This diverse role will require someone who is motivated to work within a great team culture and provide the skills and support to develop the trust through its recent growth.
Job Description
Principal Responsibilities
- Develop new funding bids and tenders for NRT and RE linked to the business plan.
- Develop projects, including associated grant applications and funding bids which further progress the aims of the charity and trading arm.
- Explore and secure commercial funding opportunities that maintaining and develop profit for RE.
- Scope and develop new business opportunities across NRT and RE.
- Act as part of the Trust’s Senior management team, interact with directors and trustees to ensure the efficient running of the Trust, particularly in relation to matters that cross departmental boundary.
- Contribute to creating and reviewing the Trust’s Vision, Strategy and delivery structure.
- Work with the Head of Finance and Project Leads to plan funding priorities and partnerships.
- Take a key role in creating templates for managing new bids, tenders and development of projects.
- Work effectively with partners and stakeholders, represent the Trust through catchment partnerships and seek opportunities to develop existing and additional mutually beneficial relationships.
- The above list should not be regarded as exhaustive, from time-to-time staff may be required to carry out other such duties as determined by the Trust.
Person Specification
Education
- Minimum HND/BSc in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Business or other Land Management related subject.
Experience and knowledge
Essential
- Significant experience working in the field of ecology, water sector, catchment management or river restoration.
- Knowledge of project management and reporting systems.
- A good knowledge of current private and public opportunities including green finance.
- Ability to submit grant and tender applications and work within budgetary constraints.
- Management and leadership experience.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary organisation.
- Full UK driving licence with own car covered by business insurance.
- Clear commitment to vision and values of Norfolk Rivers Trust.
- Excellent organisational and reporting skills.
- Leadership skills; developing, coaching, and managing multi-disciplinary teams.
- Exceptional listening and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence multiple stakeholders.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with land managers, partners, and stakeholders.
- Highly motivated and able to work autonomously.
- The ability to identify, evaluate and develop new funding opportunities.
- Project Management skills.
Desirable
- Membership of CIWEM.
- Experience of working for an environmental consultancy or environmental charity.
- Understanding of accreditation schemes such as ISO or Achillies.
Applications
To apply, please send your completed Job Application Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Information Form and a covering email to [email protected] by 09:00 on Monday the 11th of March 2024.
If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact: Ed Bramham-Jones, CEO on 07788377617
