Sound Rivers Project Manager

Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract

Report To: Head of Resilience & Communities

Grade: 4

Hours: 37.5

Location: Westcountry Rivers Trust’s office is in Stoke Climsland and whilst we have adopted hybrid working there is an expectation to work from the office on a regular basis and to travel to sites across the delivery area.

Westcountry Rivers Trust is recruiting Project Manager for the Sound Rivers Discovery Project. This is a 1-year fixed term contract, subject to a successful 6-month probation period. The starting salary for this role is £36,000.00 to £39,200.00 per annum (dependent on experience).

Benefits while working for Westcountry Rivers Trust:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, with a reward for long service - an additional 1 day per year for each year worked over 5 years, up to a maximum of 30 days for employees serving 10 years continuous service
• Additional leave covering the Christmas Closure period
• WRT contributes 9% of salary to a personal pension scheme (following a three-month postponement period), plus Life Assurance cover
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Hybrid & Flexible Working

Apply by midnight on Friday 10th April 2026 by CV and Covering Letter. Interviews will be held in person at our offices in Stoke Climsland on Friday 24th April 2026. Candidates will be asked to give a short presentation as part of the interview process; details will be provided to shortlisted applicants.

About the Role:

The Sound Rivers Discovery Project is an exciting National Lottery Heritage Fund supported initiative exploring the heritage, ecology and restoration potential of the rivers flowing into Plymouth Sound. Working with over 15 partner organisations and local communities across the Tamar catchment, this Discovery phase will build the evidence base and partnerships needed to develop a major landscape-scale river restoration programme. As Project Manager, you will lead the operational delivery of this project, managing implementation, stakeholder engagement and quality assurance while ensuring compliance with NLHF requirements. This is a rare opportunity to shape a programme from its earliest stages.

Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Develop and implement comprehensive project delivery plans in coordination with the Project Director, managing timelines, resources and interdependencies across all work streams. Lead project risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring proactive management of challenges and opportunities. Oversee budget management and financial controls, working closely with the finance team to monitor expenditure against approved budgets. Manage procurement processes for heritage consultants, contractors and specialist services, ensuring value for money and compliance.
• Stakeholder Leadership and Partnership Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with organisations, heritage bodies and community groups. Lead stakeholder meetings, workshops and steering group sessions, ensuring effective collaboration and decision-making. Coordinate with external heritage consultants, academics and contractors to ensure quality delivery. Represent the project at external meetings, conferences and heritage sector events.
• NLHF Compliance and Reporting: Ensure full compliance with NLHF terms and conditions, managing all reporting requirements and grant claim processes. Lead preparation of quarterly progress reports, reviews and final project evaluation. Maintain comprehensive project monitoring systems tracking deliverables, outcomes and impact indicators. Coordinate NLHF site visits, reviews and evaluation processes.
• Quality Assurance and Documentation: Establish and maintain project quality standards, ensuring all deliverables meet NLHF and organisational requirements. Oversee project documentation systems, archives and knowledge management processes. Lead project evaluation and learning activities, capturing best practice and lessons learned. Ensure robust data protection and information governance compliance.
• Team Management and Communication: Provide support to project staff and coordinate workload allocation. Lead internal project meetings and facilitate cross-team collaboration. Manage project communications strategy including stakeholder updates, public engagement and media relations.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Full compliance with NLHF reporting deadlines and requirements
• Delivery within approved budget parameters
• Successful coordination with relevant organisations
• Achievement of all project milestones and deliverable targets
• Maintenance of comprehensive project archive and documentation

Person specification:

Knowledge and Experience:

• Project management experience in heritage, cultural or environmental sectors with demonstrable track record of successful delivery.
• Experience managing budgets and leading multi-sector initiatives.
• Strong understanding of heritage project requirements and NLHF or similar grant funding processes.
• Previous experience delivering NLHF-funded projects or similar projects.
• Knowledge of nature conservation practices, community engagement and public participation methods.
• (D) Experience in environmental research project management.
• (D) Experience managing public engagement programmes and events.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills with experience managing diverse partnerships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including report writing and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software and Microsoft Office suite.
• Understanding of charity sector governance and compliance requirements.
• (D)

Qualifications:

• A degree (or equivalent qualification or experience) in ecology, environmental science, heritage, agriculture, or a related discipline relevant to the role.
• (D) A higher relevant degree, e.g. MSc or PhD.

The above are Essential criteria unless indicated as Desirable.