Garsdale-Hawes Project Manager

Contract: Full time (37 hours per week), fixed term.

The post is initially funded until 31 March 2029, with the potential for extension subject to continued funding and the successful progression of the project.

Location: Bainbridge, near Leyburn, or Grassington, near Skipton with opportunities for blended home and office working

Are you an experienced project manager who enjoys bringing ambitious projects to life? This is a rare opportunity to lead the development of the Garsdale-Hawes multi-use route, a project that will create a scenic, accessible and family-friendly trail linking Garsdale Station with Hawes in Upper Wensleydale, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Working with communities, landowners, partner organisations and specialist consultants, you'll help shape the future of this ambitious project through its next stages, building relationships, finding solutions and helping create a lasting legacy for residents and visitors alike.

About Us

We are the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, an organisation that protects, enhances and promotes the immense beauty, wildlife and character of the Yorkshire Dales. Set against expansive heather moorland tops, each valley has its own distinct charm, from crags and waterfalls to an underground labyrinth of caves.

You'll join a supportive and knowledgeable team that is passionate about making a positive difference for the National Park and the communities who live and work here.

The Benefits

• Generous leave: starting at 26 days’ annual leave, increasing to 31 days after five years of Local Government service, plus bank holidays
• Flexible working: including flexitime, flexi-leave and blended working options
• Pension: Local Government Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Wellbeing benefits: Subsidised Healthcare scheme, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme, staff discounts and employee assistance programme
• Learning and development: Ongoing support for continuing professional development and training
• Free parking at our car parks

The Role

Working alongside colleagues from across the Authority and a wide range of stakeholders, you'll:

• Lead the planning, development and delivery of a major access and active travel project linking Garsdale Station and Hawes.
• Manage the legal processes, approvals and consultations needed to develop the route.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with landowners, farmers, land agents, local authorities, community groups and funding bodies.
• Co-ordinate a multidisciplinary project team and manage consultants and specialist advisers.
• Secure and manage funding, ensuring resources are used effectively and project objectives are achieved.
• Help deliver a route that meets high standards of accessibility and reflects Active Travel England guidance.
• Prepare reports and presentations and provide progress updates to senior managers and Members of the Authority.

About You

You'll have experience of leading complex projects through development and delivery, bringing together diverse interests, building productive relationships and achieving positive outcomes.

You may have gained this experience through active travel, access, public rights of way, countryside management, planning, infrastructure or another field involving the delivery of complex projects and partnerships.

You'll also bring:

• A degree or equivalent level qualification in environment, landscape, planning, conservation or a related discipline.
• Experience of securing external funding and developing successful funding bids.
• Experience of managing budgets, consultants and project teams.
• The ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and procedures.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to work constructively with a range of stakeholders.

Access to a car or access to a means of mobility support to meet the travel demands of the post (if driving must have a current valid driving licence and appropriate business insurance) is essential.

Join Our Team!

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping a project that could transform access to one of the most spectacular parts of the Yorkshire Dales for generations to come.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

For an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact Rebecca Greenfield, Head of Access and Engagement, on 01756 751626 or [email protected]

Closing date: 11pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026

Please note that candidates who applied for this role previously do not need to reapply.