We’re the charity who care for and bring to life 2,000 miles of canals and rivers. Connecting many of the UK's urban and rural areas across England and Wales, we provide essential spaces for wildlife and people, helping us all feel happier and healthier. The 250 year old waterways in our care, the canals, embankments, culverts and reservoirs as well as the bridges, locks and towpaths connect local communities and deliver health and wellbeing benefits for 10 million visitors every year, through our networks of canals we believe we can improve the wellbeing of our nation.
Over half the population live within 5km of a canal but these vital ecosystems are threatened by the growing impact of climate change and more extreme weather. Together we can keep canals alive, we want you to come and be part of our cause.
If you are interested to know more, please continue to read below and visit the Canal & River Trust website.
For copy of this advert and brief in Welsh language, please click to apply where you will find a copy of this advert and brief in Welsh language.
Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience
We are looking for an exceptional person to join us as Director, Wales & South West Region. You will be Director for one of our extensive regions, our lead contact for canals in Wales and with waterways which run from Reading to Swansea and Bridgwater to Llangollen. In this role you can make a real impact for the benefit of millions of people with access to these wonderful waterways within easy reach of home. We are looking for a truly inspiring, engaging, and influential individual who can demonstrate success in significantly complex operational environments.
Your area of responsibility will run from the Welsh hills, down the mighty River Severn and across green fields all the way to Reading. Taking in national cycle routes, walking trails, SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and World Heritage Sites. A network that really offers people the opportunity to feel better along every single mile here. All thanks to our supporters, and a wonderful team of volunteers, and the work of our Wales and South West team colleagues. Together we're making life better by water.
We are searching for an experienced externally facing professional with excellent networks and partnerships in the Wales & South West, with a proven track record in leading multi-disciplinary teams, you will engage and motivate colleagues, volunteers, and partners with our cause.
You will have the opportunity to deliver the Trust’s plans and objectives whilst working within the strategic framework of the Trust’s vision. You will engage with a broad team of waterway, technical, property and other in-house professionals. Ideally, you will demonstrate experience of delivering excellence in operational performance, customer service, community engagement, as well as commercial and financial acumen.
This is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual who is passionate about the potential for our charity to improve people’s lives in their region and its communities. We anticipate that the successful candidate will have a variety of previous senior experience in inspiring colleagues within large complex operational environments as well as the skill to extend the reach of the Trust through engaging and influencing external partners.
Closing date: 12 January 2025, 23:59hrs
Stage 1 interviews: w/c 27 January 2025
Final panel: w/c 3 February 2025
What we offer:
In addition to your total package of circa £90,000 incl. car cash allowance, you will receive medical insurance, access to a generous contributory DC Pension Plan, excellent annual holiday entitlement and access to excellent YuLife benefits.
At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to conserve and improve our waterway environment and heritage for future generations. Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.