Team Leader - Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership

Do you want to lead the future of one of England's most treasured protected landscapes?

Cannock Chase National Landscape is a remarkable mosaic of heathland, forest and farmland at the heart of the Midlands. We are seeking an exceptional leader to champion its conservation, enhancement and long-term sustainability. Drawing together local authorities, statutory agencies, environmental organisations, businesses and communities, you will inspire partnership action to protect this nationally important landscape for future generations.

As Team Leader, you will provide strategic leadership for a skilled multidisciplinary team, oversee delivery of the National Landscape Management Plan, manage budgets and programmes, secure new funding opportunities, and represent Cannock Chase at regional and national levels. You will play a pivotal role in shaping policy, supporting sustainable land management, improving visitor experiences, and strengthening connections with local communities and businesses.

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative professional with significant experience in the environmental or countryside sector, strong leadership and programme management skills, and a proven track record in partnership working and fundraising.

This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference to a nationally significant landscape while leading an ambitious partnership committed to nature, people and place.

Join us in protecting, enhancing and celebrating Cannock Chase National Landscape.

Some of the tasks and responsibilities in this role are:

• Strategic overview of the AONB programme and AONB business plan; liaison with Defra and working collaboratively with partners and colleagues, and commissioning contracts as required to achieve delivery under the guidance of the Partnership.
• Line management of AONB staff as required including their performance, development and wellbeing following Council policies and processes. Oversee the work of the team to ensure delivery of the AONB programme, including for planning and development, land management, farming liaison and communications.
• Enable the Partnership to meet its statutory requirements by coordinating the formal review and implementation of the AONB Management Plan and associated evidence base (State of the AONB report) and assessments, developing and shaping AONB policy and working practice, and advising partners as appropriate.
• Business planning and operational management of the partnership budget in association with the SCC Treasurer to the AONB Joint Committee, and according to the host authority financial regulations and funder requirements.
• Lead development work to increase the financial sustainability of the AONB, broadening the funding base (including development for the creation of a charitable body) and securing additional funds to support project delivery.
• Lead delivery visitor management work for the AONB in collaboration with partners through the Task and Finish Group to enhance the visitor experience and manage visit impacts.
• Develop positive links and connections with businesses and communities in and around the AONB to further the work of the partnership.
• Support the work of the AONB Joint Committee and Officers Working Group by co-ordinating meetings and provide updates on reports as required.
• Ensure Cannock Chase is represented at the national level by contributing to activities as part of the family of AONBs and protected landscapes by attending and inputting into meetings and work programmes. Input to national policy development by developing consultation responses for the partnership and support the sharing of expertise and experience and enable Cannock Chase to learn from other protected landscapes and initiatives.

The minimum criteria that will be used to shortlist for this role will be:

• A degree level qualification or equivalent in a relevant environmental discipline.
• Significant experience working in the environment / countryside sector with a sound understanding of relevant policy and practice in the UK relating to protected landscapes.
• Significant experience and proven track record of success in project / programme management, and fundraising in the environment sector.
• Experience of financial management, procurement processes and contract management.
• Experience of working in a partnership environment, and ability to persuade and influence people and to push forward new ideas and methods of working.
• Experience of performance management and staff development.
• Ability to efficiently access areas out of reach of public transport. NB The post holder will be expected to use their own vehicle on most occasions.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 8 November.

Interviews will be held on Monday 23rd November.

To find out more and apply, please visit our website.