Chief Programme Officer (CPO)

The Trust offers hybrid working, with staff splitting their time between offices, reserves, visitor centres and some remote work, depending on their role.

Are you an experienced operational leader with a passion for high-quality delivery, environmental impact and business growth? Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (ABEC) – the consultancy arm of Kent Wildlife Trust Group (KWTG) – is seeking a dynamic Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to drive excellence, innovation and sustainable growth across both ABEC and wider group operations.

About us:

ABEC is a wholly owned but legally distinct subsidiary of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group. As a mission-aligned consultancy, ABEC delivers high-quality environmental and nature-based services that support KWTG’s strategic conservation goals.

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 2 visitor centres. But we can’t save nature alone. So, we work closely with local communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to protect and restore wildlife and wild spaces and create a wilder Kent for the benefit of people and the planet.

This role requires strategic agility, impartiality and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for two values-aligned organisations.

What you’ll be doing:

ABEC – Strategic & operational leadership

• Lead the delivery of ABEC’s Business Plan, working closely with the Managing Director.
• Drive new business and market development, identifying emerging opportunities in consultancy and nature markets.
• Optimise project management systems (including SCORO) to lift efficiency, productivity and financial insight.
• Oversee contract delivery to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and to the highest quality.
• Monitor and report on organisational performance indicators, business plan progress and risk management.
• Lead integration of digital systems (SCORO, COREO, CRM, mapping, Natural Capital platforms).
• Align resources, processes and capacity to ensure successful delivery of contracted work.
• Build and maintain strong strategic client relationships.
• Line manage and develop your team, embedding a high-performance culture and clear KPIs.

KWT Group – Cross-organisational impact

• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure financial quality, strategic alignment and delivery assurance for ABEC’s income-generating activity.
• Support or lead on group-wide projects (ensuring no conflict of interest with ABEC delivery).
• Help deliver income targets, including Nature-Based Solutions.
• Audit and review systems and processes across the Group to improve efficiency, integration and return on investment.
• Support group-wide resource planning and operational effectiveness.
• Foster positive working relationships and champion KWTG’s culture and values.

What we need you to bring:

• Senior experience in software optimisation, project delivery or operations — ideally in environmental consultancy or a related field.
• Proven commercial acumen and experience developing new business opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret, analyse and present data clearly.
• Expertise in project management methodologies, resource planning and operational reporting.
• Ability to manage complex programmes in fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to sustainability, ecological principles and the Trust’s mission.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and building collaborative, positive cultures.
• Confidence engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

What we will offer in return:

We offer exceptional enhanced benefits. Recognising the wellbeing pressures related to the climate and nature crises we face as a society, we provide flexible work options, wellbeing initiatives, and professional development opportunities. Whatever stage of your career you’re at, our comprehensive benefits package at Kent Wildlife Trust can be a key factor in your choice to join us.

Next steps:

If you’re ready to join our team and help us create a Wilder Kent, simply click “Apply now” to apply via our website. Here you can find out more about the role and complete the online application form. Be sure to include your personal statement in the space provided and upload your CV, and take a moment to review the guidance notes for helpful tips.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We are unable to recruit anyone who does not have a legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Kent Wildlife Trust believes that everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk; we are committed to ensuring their safety and wellbeing is at the heart of our engagement with people. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to references, Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks as appropriate to the role.

The Kent Wildlife Trust Group is Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are celebrated, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

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