Chief Programme Officer (CPO) in Kent

The Trust offers hybrid working, with staff splitting their time between offices, reserves, visitor centres and some remote work, depending on their role.

Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for high-quality delivery, environmental impact and business growth? Our client is seeking a dynamic Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to drive excellence, innovation and sustainable growth across wider group operations.

About them:

As a mission-aligned consultancy, our client delivers high-quality environmental and nature-based services that support strategic conservation goals. Our client is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. They manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 2 visitor centres. But they can’t save nature alone. So, they work closely with local communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to protect and restore wildlife and wild spaces and create a wilder Kent for the benefit of people and the planet.

This role requires strategic agility, impartiality and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for two values-aligned organisations.

What you’ll be doing:

• Strategic & operational leadership
• Lead the delivery of their Business Plan, working closely with the Managing Director.
• Drive new business and market development, identifying emerging opportunities in consultancy and nature markets.
• Optimise project management systems (including SCORO) to lift efficiency, productivity and financial insight.
• Oversee contract delivery to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and to the highest quality.
• Monitor and report on organisational performance indicators, business plan progress and risk management.
• Lead integration of digital systems (SCORO, COREO, CRM, mapping, Natural Capital platforms).
• Align resources, processes and capacity to ensure successful delivery of contracted work.
• Build and maintain strong strategic client relationships.
• Line manage and develop your team, embedding a high-performance culture and clear KPIs.
• Cross-organisational impact
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure financial quality, strategic alignment and delivery assurance for income-generating activity.
• Support or lead on group-wide projects (ensuring no conflict of interest with their delivery).
• Help deliver income targets, including Nature-Based Solutions.
• Audit and review systems and processes across the Group to improve efficiency, integration and return on investment.
• Support group-wide resource planning and operational effectiveness.
• Foster positive working relationships and champion their culture and values.

What they need you to bring:

• Senior experience in software optimisation, project delivery or operations — ideally in environmental consultancy or a related field.
• Proven commercial acumen and experience developing new business opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, analyse and present data clearly.
• Expertise in project management methodologies, resource planning and operational reporting.
• Ability to manage complex programmes in fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to sustainability, ecological principles and the Trust’s mission.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and building collaborative, positive cultures.
• Confidence engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

What they will offer in return:

They offer exceptional enhanced benefits. Recognising the wellbeing pressures related to the climate and nature crises they face as a society, they provide flexible work options, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Whatever stage of your career you’re at, their comprehensive benefits package can be a key factor in your choice to join them.

Next steps:

If you’re ready to join their team and help them create a Wilder Kent, simply click "Apply now" to apply via their website. Here you can find out more about the role and complete the online application form. Be sure to include your personal statement in the space provided and upload your CV, and take a moment to review the guidance notes for helpful tips.

They reserve the right to close this vacancy early if they receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. They are unable to recruit anyone who does not have a legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, they cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Our client believes that everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk; they are committed to ensuring their safety and wellbeing is at the heart of their engagement with people. They will ensure that all their recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to references, Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks as appropriate to the role.

To them, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!