Head of Programmes

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife.

We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action.

As the Trust continues to grow in ambition, scale and impact, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Programmes to lead the development and delivery of BART’s expanding portfolio of environmental programmes and partnerships.

The Role

Job Title
Head of Programmes

Location
Hybrid working – with regular travel across the Bristol Avon catchment and attendance at BART offices, project sites and partner meetings.

Reports to
Chief Executive Officer

Salary
£50,000 per annum

Contract Type
Permanent

Hours
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Programmes will provide strategic leadership across BART’s programme portfolio, overseeing the development, coordination and delivery of major environmental and community-based initiatives across the Bristol Avon catchment.

The role will lead teams which deliver planning and delivery across areas including:

• River restoration
• Natural flood management
• Climate resilience
• Nature recovery
• Catchment partnerships
• Sustainable farming and land management
• Community engagement and citizen science

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, the postholder will help shape the strategic direction of the Trust, strengthen delivery partnerships, secure investment and ensure programmes are delivered effectively, collaboratively and to a high standard.

This is both a strategic and operational leadership role, requiring strong programme management capability alongside excellent relationship-building and organisational skills.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Programme Leadership

• Lead and oversee BART’s portfolio of programmes and strategic projects
• Support the development and delivery of BART’s organisational strategy and annual business planning
• Ensure programmes align with organisational priorities, funder requirements and partnership objectives
• Identify opportunities for programme growth, innovation and impact
• Support the development of long-term catchment-scale delivery programmes

Programme & Project Oversight

• Oversee programme delivery across multiple teams and thematic areas
• Support programme and project leads to deliver projects effectively
• Monitor programme performance, risks, budgets and reporting requirements
• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed outcomes
• Improve internal programme management systems and delivery processes

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, local authorities, regulators, landowners and strategic partners
• Represent BART at partnership boards, strategic meetings and public forums
• Support collaborative programme development across the catchment
• Help position BART as a leading delivery partner within the region

Funding & Programme Development

• Support the identification and development of funding opportunities
• Contribute to major funding applications and investment proposals
• Help develop blended finance and long-term programme sustainability approaches
• Support strategic reporting to funders and partners

Team Leadership & Organisational Development

• Provide leadership, support and mentorship to programme and project staff
• Line manage programme leads
• Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture
• Support organisational learning and continuous improvement
• Contribute to wider organisational leadership and decision-making

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Experience within the environmental, rivers, conservation or charity sector
• Understanding of river restoration, catchment management or nature recovery
• Experience managing complex environmental, community or river restoration programmes
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to think strategically while managing operational delivery
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Experience working collaboratively across sectors and organisations

Desirable Experience

• Experience developing major funding bids and partnership programmes
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and partnerships
• Knowledge of public sector and environmental funding mechanisms
• Experience overseeing budgets, reporting and programme governance
• Strong programme and project management skills
• Experience working with landowners, local authorities and environmental regulators

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is strategic, collaborative and solutions-focused
• Enjoys building partnerships and bringing people together
• Has strong leadership and organisational skills
• Is passionate about river and catchment recovery and community impact
• Thrives in a growing and evolving organisation
• Wants to help shape the future of catchment-scale recovery across the Bristol Avon landscape

Why Join BART?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role within one of the UK’s growing rivers trusts at a pivotal moment in its development.

You will help shape and deliver ambitious programmes that improve rivers, landscapes and communities across the Bristol Avon catchment, while helping build the long-term resilience and impact of the Trust.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas close
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 9% Employer pension contribution
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee wellbeing support
• Opportunity to shape large-scale environmental programmes with meaningful impact

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

Simon Hunter
Chief Executive Officer
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Email: [email protected]

To learn more about our work, visit:

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust