Area Manager (South London) in Leatherhead, Surrey

Area Manager (South London) in Leatherhead, Surrey

Leatherhead +1 Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance river management and community engagement in South London.
  • Company: Join SERT, a passionate organisation dedicated to restoring urban rivers.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in local ecosystems while leading an ambitious team.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for environmental sustainability.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity for career development in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

The Role

SERT is re-organising our structure geographically into three Catchment Clusters (CCs) in the South East (defined as South London, East and West). Having conducted a successful pilot in the East, we are now expanding this approach to the new South London and West Catchment Clusters. The South London Catchment Cluster (SLCC) requires an individual with proven leadership experience who can lead this newly formed team and strategically maximise SERT’s impact in the London, urbanised, catchments of the rivers Wandle, Hogsmill, Beverley Brook and Cray.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Help to establish and enhance a ‘one-team’ ethos across the Catchment Cluster, whilst also ensuring it is embedded within the wider organisation.
  • Lead SLCC’s prioritisation on the key activities (including restoration and engagement) that we wish to undertake in our London Catchments.
  • Leadership of the team ensuring a supportive, collaborative, inquisitive and ambitious culture.
  • Direct line management of three roles (this may increase in the future):
  • Working with the Monitoring and Evidence Lead to develop and embed a new Monitoring and Evidence Strategy.
  • Supporting our Nature Finance Lead to secure new ecosystem-service related payments to fund our work and drive impact.
  • Managing the Senior Catchment Manager to ensure our Catchment Partnerships are effective convening spaces and action based.
  • Identify and directly support new business development and project funding opportunities from a range of sources to grow our impact.
  • Ensure SLCC is at the right tables where decisions affecting its rivers are being made and has an important and respected voice in those decisions.
  • What We Are Looking For

    This role is an exciting challenge and will require you to build on the foundations of what has already been achieved within these catchments. You will maximise our impact by collaborating with our Specialist Teams to prioritise SERT’s activities. Central to this is the need to deliver effective catchment management through our Catchment Partnerships. You will also work strategically with the Restoring Rivers and Catchments team (RRC) to identify and prioritise projects which drive impact, whilst working closely with our Working With Communities team (WWC) to further increase engagement with the communities who live along the CC’s rivers. It is desirable if you have a good overview of monitoring and evidence-based approaches (including citizen science), alongside knowledge of nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and emerging nature investment opportunities.

    About You

    Besides having a passion for rivers, we need an individual who can confidently develop, grow and lead a team, whilst seeking new opportunities for impact. You will be adept at business development and will be comfortable supporting strategic relationships with catchment partners, local government, regulators, water companies, local businesses and environmental organisations. You will require a good overview of Health and Safety best practise, empowering our RRC team to undertake effective project delivery and risk management in the field.

    Interested? Apply now via our website.

    Application process

    Closing date for applications: Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 11:59pm. Interviews: Monday 20th April - Friday 1st May 2026.

    Locations

    Leatherhead Surrey

    Area Manager (South London) in Leatherhead, Surrey employer: SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST

    SERT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in South London that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and leadership within our newly formed Catchment Cluster team. Our supportive culture prioritises teamwork and engagement, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about environmental impact and community involvement.
    SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST

    Contact Detail:

    SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Area Manager (South London) in Leatherhead, Surrey

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to current employees at SERT. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for those interviews! Research SERT’s projects and values so you can show how your experience aligns with their mission. Think about examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive impact in similar environments.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Area Manager position.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates directly from SERT, making your job search a breeze.

    We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager (South London) in Leatherhead, Surrey

    Leadership Experience
    Team Management
    Strategic Planning
    Business Development
    Project Funding
    Catchment Management
    Collaboration Skills
    Community Engagement
    Monitoring and Evidence-Based Approaches
    Knowledge of Ecosystem Services
    Nature-Based Solutions
    Health and Safety Best Practices
    Relationship Management
    Adaptability

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Area Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on that align with SERT's mission in South London.

    Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for rivers and environmental impact shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in the communities along the catchment areas.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you fit the role and our team culture.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

    How to prepare for a job interview at SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST

    ✨Know Your Catchment

    Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the South London Catchment Cluster. Familiarise yourself with the rivers Wandle, Hogsmill, Beverley Brook, and Cray. Understanding their unique challenges and opportunities will show your genuine interest and readiness to lead.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

    Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in building collaborative teams. Think about times when you fostered a supportive culture or led a project that required strategic prioritisation. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the newly formed team effectively.

    ✨Engagement is Key

    Since community engagement is crucial for this role, come prepared with ideas on how to enhance relationships with local communities. Share any past experiences where you successfully engaged stakeholders or secured funding through partnerships, as this aligns perfectly with the job requirements.

    ✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions

    Expect questions around business development and strategic relationships. Brush up on your knowledge of ecosystem services and nature-based solutions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also a forward-thinking leader.

    Area Manager (South London) in Leatherhead, Surrey
    SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST
    Location: Leatherhead

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