Strategic Projects Manager

Strategic Projects Manager

Full-Time 28000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Northumberland National Park Authority

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic projects that shape the future of our treasured landscape.
  • Company: Join a passionate team at Northumberland National Park Authority, dedicated to nature recovery and community development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, an award-winning wellbeing programme, and a competitive salary.
  • Other info: Fixed term contract for 2 years, with opportunities for home working and flexi time.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on people and nature while working in one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes.
  • Qualifications: Degree or significant experience in a relevant role; strong project management skills required.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.

We are looking for a passionate and strategic thinker to take the lead on major projects that will shape the future of our unique and treasured landscape. As our new Strategic Projects Manager, you’ll work at the heart of the Park’s transformation—helping us tackle the most critical challenges of our time, from nature recovery and climate action to community development and public engagement. You'll collaborate with partners, staff, and stakeholders to develop, fund, and deliver programmes that align with our strategic goals and bring long-term benefit to our environment and communities.

Fixed term contract for 2 years. Full time (37 hours per week). £33,366 - £37,035 per annum. Based Hexham, Northumberland with some home working. Flexi time. Award winning staff wellbeing programme.

What You’ll Do:

  • Identify, develop, and manage key strategic projects aligned with the Park’s Business and Management Plan.
  • Lead the creation of robust business cases, project appraisals, and funding bids.
  • Provide leadership to cross-functional teams and ensure successful delivery of project outcomes.
  • Act as Project Manager for major initiatives, ensuring timely, efficient, and cost-effective implementation.
  • Drive collaboration with partners and funders to bring investment-ready projects to life.
  • Contribute to reporting, communications, and evaluation efforts that showcase our impact.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a small, passionate team working on big ambitions in one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. You’ll have the opportunity to influence projects that make a real difference to people, nature, and place. We offer flexible working, supportive leadership, and a role with true impact.

Job Purpose:

  • To work on the development of key strategic projects for the National Park Authority.
  • Working alongside the Business Development Director on the identification of key initiatives which will deliver key priorities within the Authority’s Management and Business Plan.
  • Working alongside the Data Analyst and other key staff, ensure the evidence is gathered and analysed effectively.
  • Overseen by the Business Development Director you will work with partners and internal staff teams on the creation of project and programme plans, business cases, project appraisals, budgets, and delivery outcomes for key strategic projects.
  • To work alongside the Fundraising Officer and Head of Communications in the development of bids for external funding for key strategic projects.
  • To monitor the implementation of key projects and programmes by relevant project teams.
  • To function as the Project Manager for some designated priority projects.
  • To ensure sound financial management of all designated projects and programmes.
  • To work with the Head of Communications and Development to ensure effective communication and necessary reporting in relation to key projects and programmes.

Key Result Areas:

  • Project and programme identification and design.
  • Communication and reporting.
  • Financial Management.
  • Leadership and Line Management.
  • Other Corporate working.

Person Specification:

Essential:

  • Knowledge: Degree or significant relevant experience in a relevant role. Knowledge of current legislation, policy, practice, and funding in relation to project and programme development in a similar field of work.
  • Skills: Strategic planning skills and the ability to translate strategy into practical programmes. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience: Recent experience and consistent achievement within an organisation of comparable scope and complexity.
  • Personal Qualities: Ability to develop and communicate vision in an engaging and understandable way.

Strategic Projects Manager employer: Northumberland National Park Authority

Join the Northumberland National Park Authority as a Strategic Projects Manager and be part of a dedicated team making a tangible impact on one of the UK's most stunning landscapes. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers a unique chance to lead transformative projects that benefit both nature and local communities. Experience a supportive work culture where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
Northumberland National Park Authority

Contact Detail:

Northumberland National Park Authority Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Projects Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the environmental and project management sectors. Attend local events or webinars related to nature recovery, climate action, and community development to meet potential collaborators and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the current projects and initiatives undertaken by the National Park Authority. Understanding their strategic goals will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission during interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by volunteering for community projects or initiatives that focus on environmental issues. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also provide real-world examples to discuss during your application process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you would approach collaboration with various stakeholders. Think about past experiences where you successfully managed partnerships or funding bids, as this will be crucial for the Strategic Projects Manager role.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Projects Manager

Strategic Planning
Project Management
Budget Management
Interpersonal Skills
Written and Verbal Communication
Negotiation Skills
Leadership and Team Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Performance Management
Fundraising and Grant Writing
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation
Adaptability
Political Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Strategic Projects Manager. Focus on your project management experience, strategic planning skills, and any specific achievements in similar roles.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your background and skills make you a perfect fit for leading strategic projects, and mention specific examples of past successes that relate to the job description.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience with project development, funding bids, and collaboration with stakeholders. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your ability to manage projects effectively and deliver results.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication abilities, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your application logically. Consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences.

How to prepare for a job interview at Northumberland National Park Authority

✨Show Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare to discuss your approach to strategic planning and how you've successfully translated strategies into practical programmes in the past. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively about project development.

✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills

Since the role involves working with various partners and stakeholders, highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and built relationships to achieve shared objectives.

✨Be Prepared for Financial Discussions

Understand the basics of budget management and financial reporting, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous projects and how you ensure financial compliance and best value.

✨Communicate Effectively

Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated project goals and outcomes to diverse audiences.

Strategic Projects Manager
Northumberland National Park Authority
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