At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Nature Ridge project, shaping its development and securing funding.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to conserving iconic landscapes.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in project management and conservation.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse stakeholders and enhance your career in conservation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate adaptation and connect people with nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in project development and strong landscape knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Hours per week: 37 hours
Fixed term: Until October 2027
Interview date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Do you want to help two iconic chalk National Landscapes and a National Trail adapt in the face of climate change? We are seeking an experienced Development Manager to lead our Nature Ridge Landscape Connections project at its formative stage. Working closely with partners and a wide range of stakeholders, you will shape the programme, identify opportunities, assemble and submit a strong Development Application.
The Nature Ridge Landscape Connections project (NRLC) is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) through the Landscape Connections programme. This aims to put landscapes into recovery supporting habitats and species alongside rich cultural heritage in better connected, working landscapes and to enable people to connect with nature and the environment. This development work will align with NLHF priorities and support the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns’ Nature Recovery Plans, National Landscape Management Plans, emerging Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Plans, and County Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
This role is a rewarding opportunity for a creative, innovative person with excellent people skills, strong landscape and habitat knowledge, and proven experience guiding teams to define development needs and secure funding. You will be self‑motivated, highly organised, and confident working in partnership across conservation, landscape, or land management sectors, ideally with local knowledge of these landscapes, their wildlife, heritage and communities. You will be an outstanding communicator, able to build trusted relationships with farmers, land managers and conservation bodies. Experience of developing and managing Lottery and/or Defra‑funded projects is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Nature Ridge Landscape Connections project at its formative stage.
- Shape the programme and identify opportunities for development.
- Assemble and submit a strong Development Application.
- Work closely with partners and a wide range of stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Proven experience guiding teams in defining development needs and securing funding.
- Strong landscape and habitat knowledge.
- Excellent people skills and ability to build trusted relationships with farmers, land managers and conservation bodies.
- Experience of developing and managing Lottery and/or Defra‑funded projects.
- Self‑motivated, highly organised, and confident working in partnership across conservation, landscape or land management sectors.
Nature Ridge Project Development Manager employer: Wiltshire Council
Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement in the stunning landscapes of North Wessex Downs and Chilterns. As a Nature Ridge Project Development Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and creativity, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development through meaningful projects funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With a focus on building strong relationships with local stakeholders, this role offers a unique chance to make a tangible impact on climate adaptation and landscape recovery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nature Ridge Project Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the conservation and landscape sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around climate change and landscape management. This will help us show how our skills align perfectly with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating our experience in managing projects and building relationships with stakeholders. The more comfortable we are, the more confident we'll be during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on new opportunities that pop up, making it easier for us to stay ahead in the job search game.
We think you need these skills to ace Nature Ridge Project Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Nature Ridge project. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in landscape management and stakeholder engagement will benefit the project. We want to see real examples of your past successes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for conservation shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific landscapes and habitats relevant to the Nature Ridge project. Research the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns, their wildlife, and cultural heritage. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication style and how you’ve successfully collaborated with farmers, land managers, and conservation bodies. This will show that you can effectively lead partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with developing and managing projects, especially those funded by the Lottery or Defra. Share specific examples of how you defined development needs and secured funding, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Align with NLHF Priorities
Understand the National Lottery Heritage Fund's priorities and how they relate to the Nature Ridge project. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals for landscape recovery and climate adaptation, showing that you’re a perfect fit for the role.
