Role title: Head of Programmes
Location: Chilterns Conservation Board, The Lodge, 90 Station Road, Chinnor, Oxon, OX39 4HA
Salary: £55,000 per annum depending on experience
Benefits: Package includes Local Authority pension and access to healthcare scheme
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Reports to: Chief Executive
Responsible for: c.4 staff
This is a new role which provides a rare and exciting opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team working in one of the country’s most outstanding and most accessible protected landscapes.
The Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB) is a statutory body established by Parliamentary Order in 2004. It is one of only two Conservation Boards in the country set up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Our primary role is to promote the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the Chilterns AONB, now known as the Chilterns National Landscape. Where compatible with this purpose, we also promote public understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities and seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping, resourcing and delivering a high-quality portfolio of programmes and projects for the Chilterns National Landscape. The post-holder will ensure that programmes are strategically aligned to the AONB Management Plan for the Chilterns National Landscape and Organisational Strategy, and are delivered with strong governance, financial control, risk management, and measurable impact.
The role requires oversight of complex, multi-partner initiatives supported by a range of funders including Defra, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Environment Agency and water companies. The successful applicant will be expected to bring strong programme leadership, sound judgement and the ability to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day delivery.
Key priorities include embedding effective programme and project management approaches, strengthening a culture of risk management, health and safety, compliance, and ensuring that monitoring, evaluation and learning are consistently built into delivery. The post-holder will also play a leading role in identifying opportunities, developing proposals and securing resources to sustain and grow the Chilterns National Landscape’s programme of work
For more information and to apply:
Please visit our website:
https://www.chilterns.org.uk/jobs/head-of-programmes/
Please complete the documents available on our website, and send to the email address provided.
CVs will not be accepted. Only applications submitted via the correct route with completed application and EOM forms will be considered.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, 20 July 2026.
Successful candidates will be invited to interview during the week beginning 3rd August 26.
Applicants must be willing to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £55,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
