Project Development Manager – Northern England

RSPB is seeking a Project Development Manager for Northern England to manage complex nature conservation projects. The role involves overseeing project development, budget management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership. Candidates should possess strong project management skills, the ability to build relationships, and experience in managing multidisciplinary teams. Daily tasks may include meetings, site visits, and contractor negotiations. This position is based in Silverdale, United Kingdom.
Do you have the passion, skills, and experience to help develop and deliver complex nature conservation projects in the North of England? We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, skilled and passionate Project Development Manager to join our England Project Management team, working primarily in the North of England.

As a Project Development Manager, you will directly manage some of the most complex projects within the RSPB. At the same time, you will work closely with the Operations Director and Area Managers in the Northern region to develop a pipeline of projects across the North , and make sure they’re being well-managed.

The England Project Management Team manage all sorts of projects, from infrastructure repairs to species recovery, habitat creation to commercial developments. We’re looking for someone who is well-organised, solutions-focused, and can adapt their skills to the development and delivery of a diverse range of projects.

Each day as a Project Development Manager is different. You might find yourself chairing a project team meeting one day, visiting a construction site the next, and negotiating with contractors the day after that.

Our project teams include colleagues from a range of disciplines as well as external consultants and suppliers. You’ll need to be able to build relationships across internal and external stakeholders and motivate others to get things done to keep projects progressing smoothly.

Key activities will include:
• Develop and manage one or more complex projects at any one time. To include budget management, stakeholder management, risk management, contractor procurement and other tasks as required.
• Lead and motivate project teams to achieve project success by focusing on a common goal.
• Develop and oversee a pipeline of projects that contribute to delivery against strategic priorities, working with regional/country management teams.
• Provide support & advice to the regional /country management team to enable them to use the PMF effectively to deliver strategic priorities and successful projects (including ensuring project assurance is in place).
• Line management of more junior project management team members.
• Provide advice and support to colleagues on project management best practice, helping to build overall project management capability across England.
• Be an advocate for Cora, the RSPB’s on-line project management system.
• Undertake project reviews as commissioned by the management team/other stakeholders including other regions & countries to ensure lessons are learned, best practice shared and capability increased.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
• Proven project management skills relating to planning and managing complex projects, managing risks/costs/time and leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to influence others, communicate effectively, build collaborative relationships and represent the organisation.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and approaches, with the ability to support more junior colleagues in this area.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnership to achieve shared outcomes.
• Ability to solve issues quickly, efficiently and creatively.
• Cost and budget management.
• Impressive time management and organisational skills.
• A tangible passion for the planet.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
• Project or Programme Management Qualification (APMPMQ, Prince 2, MSP).
• Experience of relevant projects such as: habitat creation/restoration, building renovations (particularly visitor facilities), multi-partner projects, community engagement.
• Line management experience.

This is a permanent full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. We expect the post-holder to be home-based in the North of England with frequent travel required to RSPB reserves and other sites for meetings.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from mid-April 2025. For further information please contact victoria.lancaster@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.