Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project Manager

Opportunity Review: Project Lead, Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for environmental restoration and community collaboration? This unique opportunity to manage the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project presents an exceptional chance to make a tangible, large-scale impact on a critical natural landscape.

This project, situated in the stunning Duddon Valley within the Lake District National Park, is a flagship initiative funded by Defra’s Landscape Recovery scheme. It signifies a commitment to revitalizing habitats and species through a collaborative approach involving farmers, the local community, and prominent environmental organisations. If you thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and are driven by a mission to deliver significant environmental gains, this role is designed for you.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Impactful, Landscape-Scale Project: This is not just a project; it's a legacy. You will be instrumental in the ambitious restoration of a significant upland landscape, directly contributing to biodiversity enhancement and the health of the ecosystem.
• Multi-Partner Collaboration: Working alongside esteemed organisations such as the National Trust, Forestry England, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, the University of Cumbria, and Natural England provides unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and influencing best practices across diverse sectors.
• Community Engagement: A core component of this role involves fostering strong relationships and engaging the local community. This offers a rewarding dimension of social impact, ensuring that conservation efforts are inclusive and supported.
• Career Development & Benefits: The University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. This includes:
  • An exceptional annual leave allowance: 26 days of holiday plus approximately 16 bank holidays/university closure days, totaling around 42 days per year.
  • A generous pension scheme with life assurance.
  • Access to a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing facility, including discounted gym membership.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development through dedicated learning teams.
  • Additional benefits such as on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.
• Strategic Planning & Implementation: This role demands strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and effective coordination of a wide range of activities. It’s an ideal position for someone looking to hone their project management skills in a high-stakes, environmentally focused context.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Location: The role is based in the picturesque Duddon Valley, Cumbria. Candidates should be prepared for relocation or long-term commitment to this specific geographic area, embracing the lifestyle and environment it offers.
• Leadership & Management: You will be responsible for leading and managing a team, as well as navigating the complexities of a multi-partner project. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills will be essential for success.
• Complex Project Management: This is a large-scale, intricate project requiring robust project management expertise. Experience with managing budgets, timelines, stakeholder expectations, and reporting will be highly beneficial.
• Environmental Restoration Focus: A genuine interest and understanding of habitat restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable land management practices are crucial. You will be at the forefront of implementing nature recovery strategies.
• Stakeholder Management: Successfully engaging and managing relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including farmers and various organizations, is paramount. Diplomacy and strong communication skills are key.

For individuals seeking to spearhead a project with profound environmental and community benefits, while enjoying a supportive work environment and excellent benefits, the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project Lead role represents a significant and rewarding step in their career journey.