Area Manager (South London)

The Role

SERT is re-organising our structure geographically into three Catchment Clusters (CCs) in the South East (defined as South London, East and West). Having conducted a successful pilot in the East, we are now expanding this approach to the new South London and West Catchment Clusters.

The South London Catchment Cluster (SLCC) requires an individual with proven leadership experience who can lead this newly formed team and strategically maximise SERT’s impact in the London, urbanised, catchments of the rivers Wandle, Hogsmill, Beverley Brook and Cray.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Help to establish and enhance a ‘one-team’ ethos across the CC, whilst also ensuring it is embedded within the wider organisation.
• Lead SLCC’s prioritisation on the key activities (including restoration and engagement) that we wish to undertake in our London Catchments.
• Leadership of the team ensuring a supportive, collaborative, inquisitive and ambitious culture.
• Direct line management of three roles (this may increase in the future):
  • i) Working with the Monitoring and Evidence Lead to develop and embed a new Monitoring and Evidence Strategy.
  • ii) Supporting our Nature Finance Lead to secure new ecosystem-service related payments to fund our work and drive impact.
  • iii) Managing the Senior Catchment Manager to ensure our Catchment Partnerships are effective convening spaces and action based.
• Identify and directly support new business development and project funding opportunities from a range of sources to grow our impact.
• Ensure SLCC is at the right tables where decisions affecting its rivers are being made and has an important and respected voice in those decisions.

What We Are Looking For

This role is an exciting challenge and will require you to build on the foundations of what has already been achieved within these catchments. You will maximise our impact by collaborating with our Specialist Teams to prioritise SERT’s activities. Central to this is the need to deliver effective catchment management through our Catchment Partnerships. You will also work strategically with the Restoring Rivers and Catchments team (RRC) to identify and prioritise projects which drive impact, whilst working closely with our Working With Communities team (WWC) to further increase engagement with the communities who live along the CC’s rivers. It is desirable if you have a good overview of monitoring and evidence-based approaches (including citizen science), alongside knowledge of nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and emerging nature investment opportunities.

About You

Besides having a passion for rivers, we need an individual who can confidently develop, grow and lead a team, whilst seeking new opportunities for impact. You will be adept at business development and will be comfortable supporting strategic relationships with catchment partners, local government, regulators, water companies, local businesses and environmental organisations. You will require a good overview of Health and Safety best practise, empowering our RRC team to undertake effective project delivery and risk management in the field.

Application process

• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Interviews: Monday 20th April - Friday 1st May 2026