Job Title: Wild Sussex Programme Manager
Location: The Keep, Brighton
Salary: £39,596
Contract Type: Fixed term contract - 2 years
Hours: 35 per week
Closing Date: 9th August 2026
Interview Date: 21st 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
Wild Sussex is the name given to a portfolio of seven ambitious nature recovery projects that Sussex Wildlife Trust will deliver between now and 2030. The success of these projects depends on collaboration across several Trust directorates, and we are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to help turn inspiring visions for nature recovery into practical, deliverable outcomes. Working with colleagues across nature reserve management, community engagement, fundraising, finance and other specialist teams, you will coordinate the delivery of a high-profile programme of work. You will also manage key external relationships, ensuring consistent standards, governance and reporting across all projects. Your role will be to help ensure that Wild Sussex projects are innovative, well-designed, cost-effective, funding-ready and delivered to the highest professional standards. Each of the seven projects is at a different stage of development. Sussex Wildlife Trust is therefore looking for a strategic, collaborative and experienced Programme Manager who can bring these projects together as a cohesive programme, creating alignment, identifying opportunities for collaboration and ensuring that the collective impact is greater than the sum of its parts. This is an exciting two year opportunity to play a leading role in bringing these ambitious projects to life and helping shape the future of nature recovery across Sussex.
The Person
If you are an inspiring collaborator with a passion for nature recovery and a strong background in programme management, this could be the role for you. You will be skilled at managing multiple priorities, maintaining a focus on measurable outcomes for both wildlife and people, and navigating complex projects with confidence and clarity. As part of a team of passionate conservationists, you will build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for one of Sussex Wildlife Trust’s flagship programmes. You will be an experienced programme leader, confident in bringing people together around a shared vision, co-developing project plans, budgets and timelines, managing risks, and supporting the development of funding applications. You will have a strong track record of delivering projects and programmes on time and within budget, while identifying opportunities to align work across teams, projects and partnerships to maximise impact and efficiency. Just as importantly, you will be committed to fostering a collaborative, creative and solutions-focused culture that enables the successful delivery of the Wild Sussex programme.
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.
