Head of Estate Management

From temperate rainforest in Scotland and lowland wetlands in England, to moorland in Wales and freshwater loughs in Northern Ireland, the RSPB looks after more than 220 nature reserves across the UK. We manage over 160,000 Ha of land, supporting more than 18,500 species, and we aspire to grow this estate. Our nature reserves are at the heart of what we do to address the nature and climate emergency.

To support this work, we are looking for a skilled programme manager to support our land acquisition programme, oversee the management of our land-related risks, and ensure that we have effective systems for managing our estate. 

You will have experience in conservation land management and have a facilitative style to work across the organisation, achieving progress through programme development and management. You will work closely and collaboratively with country-based Rural Surveyors and operational teams. Supporting the Chair of the RSPB's Acquisitions and Disposals Group, you will manage the pipeline of acquisitions, the associated budget, and facilitate the relevant approvals required from the Executive Board and our Trustees. You will enjoy networking with potential partners, donors and funders and work closely with the RSPB’s Conservation Investment and Business Engagement teams. 

You will have a keen interest in maintaining our estate and its financial management in good order and will manage our Horizon (our system for building and estate management) team. You will work with country-based Rural Surveyors, Ecologists and Health and Safety Advisers to ensure that we have good systems in place to minimise the risks associated with holding and managing land and buildings for nature and our visitors. 

 Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Extensive programme management experience, well organised and able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrable experience in conservation land management, knowledge of designations, legal compliance and agri-environment schemes.
• Experience of risk management, especially in relation to managing land, buildings, and other infrastructure.
• Experience of developing strategic partnerships and delivering through partnership approaches, balancing priorities and managing conflicts.
• A facilitative leadership style, highly proficient at collaborative working; builds and maintains positive and constructive relationships with individuals and remote teams outside of their direct management control.
• Ability to work closely with a wide range of specialists and colleagues.
• Ability to convince others of the potential of a good proposition with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Degree in relevant subject, or equivalent experience.

This is a permanent, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 8th September 2025. For further information please contact [email protected] 

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes.