At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead farming and rural enterprise initiatives for nature recovery and environmental improvement.
- Company: Join Northumberland National Park Authority, dedicated to protecting stunning landscapes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with passionate communities and drive sustainable change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of farming and nature recovery in a breathtaking national park.
- Qualifications: Experience in agricultural policy, grant schemes, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Help shape the future of farming, land management and nature recovery across one of England’s most spectacular protected landscapes. We’re looking for an experienced Farming and Rural Enterprise Manager to join Northumberland National Park Authority and lead our Farming and Rural Enterprise Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering our ambitions for nature recovery, resilient farming systems and landscape-scale environmental improvement, working directly with farmers, landowners, communities and a wide range of partners.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Farming and Rural Enterprise, you will lead the development and delivery of land management activity that supports the 25 Year Environment Plan, 30 by 30 ambitions and the objectives of the Northumberland National Park Management Plan, Business Plan and Local Nature Recovery Strategy. You will:
- Lead and manage the Farming and Rural Enterprise Team, including work programming and delivery.
- Work with land managers to deliver environmental improvement, habitat connectivity and nature recovery alongside more resilient farming systems.
- Develop integrated delivery plans across programmes including Farming in Protected Landscapes, Wildlife Rich Habitats, 30 by 30 and agri-environment programmes.
- Help drive landscape-scale projects including the Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery project and the North East Farm Business Support Service.
- Provide expert advice on farming, land management, natural capital, nature recovery and rural enterprise.
- Develop strong partnerships with farmers, landowners, agencies, communities and other stakeholders.
- Support policy and strategy development at local, regional and national level.
About you
We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of agricultural and forestry land management policy, grant schemes and environmental improvement, together with knowledge of the issues facing rural upland communities. You’ll be an excellent communicator and negotiator, able to build trusted relationships with landowners and partners and influence others to achieve shared objectives. You’ll also bring experience of agri-environment schemes, rural grant programmes and collaborative projects, together with the ability to provide specialist advice and translate strategic objectives into practical delivery. Knowledge of National Parks or protected areas and experience of working in an upland environment would be an advantage.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to the future of farming and nature recovery across Northumberland National Park, working at landscape scale and alongside the people who manage and care for it. You’ll join an organisation committed to protecting and enhancing this special landscape while supporting sustainable rural communities and businesses.
Location: Rothbury or Hexham, with travel throughout the National Park (some hybrid working available)
Salary: £41771 - 46142 per annum
Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2029
If you have the expertise, leadership skills and passion to help deliver a more resilient and nature-rich future for farming and rural communities, we’d love to hear from you. Please visit our website, read the job pack and complete the online application form.
Locations
Farming and Rural Enterprise Manager in Hexham, Northumberland employer: Northumberland National Park Authority
Join the Northumberland National Park Authority as a Farming and Rural Enterprise Manager and be part of a dedicated team committed to shaping sustainable farming and nature recovery in one of England's most stunning landscapes. With a focus on collaboration, employee growth, and a strong work culture that values environmental stewardship, this role offers the chance to make a real impact while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development. Located in Rothbury or Hexham, you will have the flexibility of hybrid working and the chance to engage with local communities and stakeholders.
Contact Details:
Northumberland National Park Authority Recruitment Team
