Overview The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and 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 (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. We have a vacancy for a Senior Project/Partnership 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 the area. 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, Irwell 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 Catchment CaBA Partnership and its three sub-groups. Work with partners to maintain, update and deliver the Catchment plan. Meet the key objectives and success measures for the catchment. To 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 Upper Mersey project delivery team. Maintain, oversee, and update all project delivery and reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports) Prepare and submit applications to obtain 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 in some cases lead, the procurement process. 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. 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 catchment and MRT-led projects. 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 activities. Candidate Profile Essential Educated to degree level or equivalent, ideally in a relevant subject Experience in environmental management Experience of successful project delivery, including setting and managing the delivery of objectives, budget control and reporting. Experience in working with and managing external consultants and contractors. Experience in developing successful funding applications. A confident and clear communicator with experience in leading collaborative partnerships and delivering projects with a variety of stakeholders and groups. An effective leader in developing, coaching and managing teams. Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home. Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines. Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Excellent presentation and communication skills. Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems). Desirable Hold a project management qualification (APM, Prince, etc). Knowledge of the Upper Mersey and Irwell Catchments. Extensive understanding of river and estuary environments. Managing and working with volunteers General Notes Extensive travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use 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 Interviews will be held w/c 10th February 2025; venue and format to be confirmed. If you would like more information on the role before submitting an application, you may contact the Directors: Paul Henbrey 07747 446103 (paulhmerseyrivers.org) or John Sanders 07821 117396 (johnmerseyrivers.org).