Wilder Projects Programme Manager

Location: The Keep, Brighton
Hours: 35 per week
Closing Date: 7th August 2026
Interview Date: 19th August 2026

Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT)

To deliver our new strategic plan – Our Wild Sussex – we need people with bold and innovative ideas to help us to achieve our ambitions for local wildlife and wild places.

We are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.

We are looking for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy. We are keen to hear from you even if you don’t have all the skills and experience outlined in the Job Description but have the potential to grow into a role.

So, if you are someone who is determined to see a Sussex rich in wildlife and you have drive, energy and commitment to our values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration and Inclusion why not apply now to join our great team, working together to deliver Our Wild Sussex.

We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, non-graduates, and people from geographically diverse communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

The Role

Sussex Wildlife Trust is seeking a strategic, collaborative and experienced Programme Manager to lead our Wilder Projects portfolio and support our ambitions for free-living beavers in Sussex. As Wilder Projects Programme Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of three ambitious Wilder Projects, alongside the work of our Sussex Beaver Lead, Together, these initiatives focus on restoring ecological networks, supporting thriving wildlife communities and driving nature recovery at a landscape scale. You will provide leadership across all four workstreams, managing budgets, identifying and responding to funding opportunities, and ensuring projects are delivered effectively and achieve measurable outcomes for wildlife. You will lead and develop a team of technical managers and project leads, strengthening collaboration across the portfolio and identifying opportunities for greater alignment and shared impact. Working closely with colleagues across Sussex Wildlife Trust, as well as partners, funders, communities and statutory stakeholders, you will help unlock opportunities for innovation, influence and investment, delivering lasting change for nature across Sussex. You will also deputise for the Head of Nature Recovery when required.

The Person

We are looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will be skilled at managing multiple priorities, maintaining focus on measurable outcomes for wildlife, and navigating complex projects with confidence and clarity. As part of a team of passionate conservationists, you will build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and act as an ambassador for some of Sussex Wildlife Trust’s most innovative and inspiring work. You will be an experienced programme leader, confident in managing and developing people with compassion, support and accountability. You will have a strong track record of delivering projects and programmes within budget and of identifying opportunities to align work across teams, projects and partnerships to maximise impact. You will be committed to fostering a collaborative culture, building expertise within the team, and ensuring that both wellbeing and nature recovery remain at the heart of delivery.

Benefits

• Hybrid and Flexible Working– Supporting healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements where role requirements operationally allow.
• 25 Days Annual Leave– Plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years’ service; entitlement pro rata part-time.
• Pension Contributions– With an optional salary sacrifice scheme to help maximise your retirement savings.
• Life Assurance – Pension Scheme members receive 2x salary cover; non-members receive 1x salary cover.
• Health Cash Plan– helping towards the cost of everyday healthcare expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)– Providing confidential support, advice and wellbeing resources.
• Cycle to Work Scheme– Helping you save money while supporting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
• Volunteering Days– Dedicated two days paid to support causes and communities that matter to you.
• Café Discount– Enjoy discounted food and drinks at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre cafe

For more detailed information see what we offer page in the Recruitment Pack.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early so please get you application in as soon as possible.