Senior Project & Partnerships Manager

Overview 

Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focused on the
protection and enhancement of rivers across the Mersey Catchment. The catchment covers Greater
Manchester, Merseyside and most of Cheshire. The Trust works with partners, local communities
and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of
flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (e.g.
river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and
education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. Due to retirement, we have a
vacancy for a Senior Project & Partnerships Manager to join a dynamic and dedicated team
who are committed to delivering collaborative environmental river-based improvements. The Trust
hosts three successful CaBA (Catchment Based Approach) partnerships in the Alt Crossens, Lower
Mersey and Upper Mersey catchments. The role holder will focus on the hosting of the Upper
Mersey partnership in addition to working with other partnership groups and stakeholders in
Greater Manchester and part of Cheshire East. The role will also include leading a team of two
project managers responsible for the development and delivery of a portfolio of environmental
river-based projects in the Upper Mersey and Irwel river catchments, including direct line
management responsibilities. The role holder will report directly to the Operations and
Delivery Director and will be a member of the senior leadership team. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Facilitate collaborative and effective coordination of the Upper Mersey CaBA
  Partnership.
• Work with partners to maintain, update and deliver the Upper Mersey Catchment Plan
  and support the Irwell Catchment Plan delivery.
• Meet the key objectives and success measures set
  by Mersey Rivers Trust
• Maintain and develop partnerships with stakeholders, including
  Environment Agency, Local Authorities, Natural England, local water company, other NGOs and
  community groups.
• Work with the Operations & Delivery Director and the Strategy &
  Development Director to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan
  and strategic initiatives.
• To identify and apply for project funding to support delivery of our
  objectives.
• Undertake the day-to-day leadership and management of the Greater Manchester project
  delivery team.
• Maintain, oversee, and update all project delivery and reporting systems on time
  and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports)
• Preparing and submitting
  applications to obtaining necessary consents and permissions (including Environment Agency
  Permits, Landowner Agreements and Planning Permissions).
• Build landowner relationships to secure
  necessary permissions to implement projects.
• Contribute to and lead project procurement
  processes.Supervision of contractors and junior staff delivering works.
• Undertake site visits to
  monitor progress of works, keeping records and reporting onwards.
• Complete all necessary
  reports, and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention
  policy.Highlight any new risks and issues identified during works, and work with the team to
  manage and resolve them.
• To help the Trust team to engage and consult with existing community
  groups, schools, clubs, voluntary sector, interest groups, etc. and local councils to foster
  learning and a sense of ownership in the works.
• Implement rigorous safeguarding and health &
  safety procedures and lead by example in prioritising health and safety and wellbeing by taking
  responsibility for yourself, participant volunteers and colleagues. You shall comply with
  Mersey Rivers Trust’s Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies and defined standards at
  all times.
• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT.

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant
will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to
meetings, site visits and to regularly meet with staff. Remote working from other parts of the
country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face
interactions and outdoor delivery activities. 

Candidate Profile 

Essential 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience, ideally in a relevant subject, with a
  strong track record in environmental management and project management.
• Valid driving licence
  and own car, insured for business use.
• A confident and clear communicator with experience in
  leading collaborative partnerships and delivering projects with a variety of stakeholders and
  groups.
• Leadership skills; developing, coaching and managing teams.
• Experience of successful
  project delivery, including budget control and reporting.
• Experience in working with and
  managing external consultants and contractors.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from
  home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to
  detail.
• Ability to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to prioritise and
  plan activities to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing
  skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with
  Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems).
• Reliability, good attendance and work
  performance.
• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved.

Desirable 

• Strong understanding of river environments.
• Experience in developing successful funding
  applications.
• Experience of managing and working with volunteers
• Experience in managing small
  teams of staff

General Notes 

• Extensive travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving
  licence and access to a vehicle is essential. 
• This position will from time to time require work during some evenings, weekends and public
  holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time-off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.

Term and Conditions

The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment.

Annual leave:

28 days annual leave pro rata plus bank
holidays.

Location: 

Home Based (travel expenses paid from home. If the role holder
does not live within the Mersey Catchment, travel expenses will only be paid within the catchment
boundary). 

If you
would like more information on the role before submitting an application, please contact the
Trust’s Directors: 

Paul Henbrey 07747 446103 ([email protected])

John Sanders 07821 117396
([email protected])