Project Manager - Nature South West

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the next phase of Nature South West (NSW), a bold regional initiative accelerating large-scale nature recovery through collaboration, technical support, and investment readiness.

Hosted by the RSPB, the Project Manager will coordinate partners, manage the creation of investable propositions, engage with funders, oversee communications and events, and secure further funding. The ideal candidate will have experience in green finance, nature recovery policy, and multi-stakeholder project delivery. Due to the breadth of the work, the job will be exciting and varied, with a real opportunity to make a big difference to nature.

Reports to: The RSPB with operational guidance provided by the Nature South West Board, comprising representatives of Natural England, the Environment Agency, National Trust, Blackdown Hills National landscape, NFU, Devon Wildlife Trust, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Nature Partnership.

About Nature South West

The South West of England is rich in natural resources and has the potential to lead the UK in green technologies and nature-based solutions. Its economy is closely linked to the health of its ecosystems, supporting industries such as agriculture, tourism, fishing, and renewable energy.

However, the region faces significant pressure from climate and biodiversity crises, threatening both its environment and economy. Nature is often overlooked in financial decision-making, and restoration efforts are typically short-term and underfunded.

Nature South West (NSW) has emerged to address this gap. Acting as a bridge between local delivery partners and large-scale funders, NSW brings together expertise and projects to define shared priorities for nature recovery. These are developed into ‘investible propositions’ that meet environmental, economic, and social needs, helping attract sustained funding.

NSW is initially focusing on two key natural systems: rivers and wetlands, and coastal and marine habitats. These areas are rich in biodiversity and vital for resilience, supporting clean water, carbon storage, flood protection, and local livelihoods. By convening partners and promoting investible opportunities, NSW aims to position the South West as a leader in nature-based solutions and unlock new public and private investment.

Key areas of work will include

• Responsibility for all aspects of project coordination and delivery of the Nature South West project plan, activities and outputs.
• Manage the project budget ensuring that necessary changes are escalated and approved.
• Responsible for developing a portfolio of investable nature recovery projects with clear business cases.
• Engaging with stakeholders and delivery of a communication plan.
• Identify, record, manage and communicate risks and issues, putting in place appropriate contingency actions where required.
• Managing the procurement and contractor tendering process for evaluation, website design/delivery and green finance specialist.
• Responsible for managing and coordinating external consultants and contractors engaged in key project components, including evaluation, website development, and business planning.
• Responsible for developing strategic relationships with corporate stakeholders to unlock private sector investment and support.
• Reporting and claiming - produce the relevant project documentation to meet the requirements of the RSPB, our partners and our funders.

This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

What we need from you

We’re seeking a dynamic and adaptable individual who can lead a complex programme with confidence and clarity.

Essential skills and experience

• Energy, enthusiasm, and adaptability to deliver a multi-faceted programme on time and on budget
• Experience in project management, event coordination, and/or communications
• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative
• Experience delivering large-scale, complex projects or programmes
• Knowledge of green finance, particularly in securing blended finance for large scale environmental projects with co-benefits
• Experience with procurement, tendering, and contractor management
• Understanding of nature recovery priorities in policy and legislation, and how they apply in the South West
• Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to deliver complex projects
• Knowledge of South West partners is desirable
• Experience writing business cases or funding bids, and overseeing project delivery, reporting and evaluation
• Excellent communication skills and a well-organised approach to work
• Experience in corporate partnership development is desirable

Additional Information

This is a 24-month Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week which is funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Nature South West programme.

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.

For all application role enquiries please contact: [email protected]

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.

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

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.