Senior Project Development Manager (Blue Recovery Leaders Group)

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) launched its Blue Recovery work in 2021: a major initiative to deliver transformational environmental change in the UK. There is growing evidence showing the significant role that wetlands can play in four critical areas: storing carbon, reducing flooding, benefiting wellbeing and improving water quality, but these benefits are not widely understood.

WWT has brought together a consortium of sector leading organisations to help unlock and demonstrate the value of wetland creation, facilitating the creation of a network of wetlands that will deliver lasting impact and act as a catalyst for wider action. Its approach draws on the model used by the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched by our Patron, HRH King Charles III.

At the heart of WWT’s proposals is an ambition to create and restore 100,000 hectares of healthy wetland in the UK, conceived of as four networks:

A carbon storage network, consisting of wetlands to sequester and store carbon

A flood management network, consisting of wetland features to reduce flooding

An urban wellbeing network, consisting of wetlands to improve wellbeing

A water treatment network, consisting of wetlands to support biodiversity

This Blue Recovery will make a vital contribution to the UK’s environmental and climate change goals.

Role Outline

You will be responsible for working with WWT’s Blue Recovery Leaders Group to drive forward this partnership leading to the delivery of projects that fulfil WWT’s Blue Recovery workstream. By building and maintaining close relationships with the Blue Recovery Leader’s Group drawn from industries including the water, construction, finance, agriculture and engineering sectors, you will support the group to develop projects that demonstrate the multiple benefits that wetlands provide to society.

You will act as WWT’s main lead on supporting the Blue Recovery Leaders Group and work with them to develop project ideas and proposals that fulfil WWT’s strategic ambitions. You will liaise between our Philanthropy & Partnerships, UK Programmes and Conservation Evidence Teams, coordinating input from them to ensure successful delivery of The Blue Recovery Leaders contribution towards WWT’s Strategic Plan.

Hours: This is a fixed-term contract for up to 12 months, working 22.5 hours per week. The hours will be worked across Monday – Friday.

Location: Hybrid working considered, based between Home and WWT Headquarters at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

The key skills we are looking for are:

Strong project development and project management skills

Excellent stakeholder and partnership management

Influencing and leadership without direct authority

Strategic and creative problem-solving

Outstanding communication and facilitation skills

You will be a committed person who cares deeply about the success and impact of your work. You will be a key advocate for multi-benefit wetlands, be enthusiastic about what you believe in, and can work closely and get the best from people across multiple disciplines within WWT.

You will be, able to nurture trusted relationships with colleagues in other teams and counterparts in other organisations. You will also be a great communicator, advocating your work successfully to a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have experience in developing successful projects and will understand the importance of following a project management framework.

If this sounds like you then we would very much like to hear from you. Come and join us in delivering our vision of a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands . There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world

Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people

33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want

Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family

Free car parking and secure bike storage areas

Colleague discount on shopping and memberships

Cycle to work scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones

Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410