Strategy Lead - Rural Economy

Position: Strategy Lead - Rural Economy
Location: South Downs Centre, Midhurst (Hybrid Working)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Type of Post: Permanent

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) cares for the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the National Park and helps people to learn about and enjoy the area. Whilst the SDNPA delivers this on its own landholding at the Seven Sisters Country Park, much of this work is delivered by the approximately 900 land management-based businesses and organisations that own and manage a significant proportion of the Park.

We are recruiting a Strategy Lead to be responsible for the delivery of our work on the rural economy, supporting land management-based rural businesses to flourish and contribute towards the delivery of the South Downs National Park Partnership Management Plan (PMP) 2026-2031. The role will also involve leading on the Authority’s work with regard to the review, development, and monitoring of Whole Estate Plans. Do you have an understanding of rural businesses and the diverse roles they play in local communities? Are you passionate about supporting people to achieve desired outcomes whilst building a resilient and thriving local economy in the South Downs National Park?

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual with proven technical and interpersonal skills to be part of the SDNPA Farming and Land Management Team. As part of a team working across the Park on nature, climate, people and place objectives, you will be required to work collaboratively, supporting land management-based rural businesses on diversification opportunities and strategic forward planning. Developing strategies and partnerships for sustainable growth that align with PMP objectives and policies will also be required.

You will need to have knowledge and experience of relevant rural economy, strategic and policy issues, strong interpersonal skills, and both demonstrable project management and consultation response experience. Partnership and collaboration are essential to how we work, and as Strategy Lead, you will therefore be expected to work with a wide range of stakeholders and partners, as well as officers across all teams of the SDNPA.

Sound like something that interests you? Think you can really add value to the role? Meet the person specification? Then please apply!

To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application, referring to the person specification.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability, and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances, the SDNPA appoints on merit, based on the evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits

• Flexible working – (this is available for the majority of our roles; however, some positions may require on-site presence and/or specific hours due to business needs)
• Local government pension scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Heat Scheme (capped interest-free green home improvement loan, available on a first-come, first-served basis)
• Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
• Access to the Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
• 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Professional development support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car sharing
• Use of pool cars
• Regular staff events/activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty

Other organisations may call this role Strategy Manager, Strategic Development Manager, Strategic Lead, Programme Strategy Lead, Policy and Strategy Manager, Economic Strategy Manager, Rural Strategy Manager, Land Management Strategy Manager, Strategic Projects Lead, or Environmental Strategy Manager.

Closing Date: 8 March 2026
Interview Date: 24 March 2026