Project Manager (Community BlueScapes Flood Resilience Project)

The focus of the CBS programme is on community engagement with the use of Nature Based Solutions, Natural Flood Management and SuDS to achieve meaningful flood resilience without the use of extensive hard engineering. Within the programme BCL is designated lead partner on eight projects: one small project has been completed; two are approved and scheduled for delivery later this year; and five significant projects have been approved in concept and are now at various stages of feasibility, design and planning. The primary role of the Project Manager will be management of the delivery of these projects by late 2026. The role will also be expected to support other initiatives on which project partners are leading, as well as working alongside colleagues from BCL and the CBS partnership to coordinate related community engagement, communications and learning, raise awareness, disseminate results and optimise the legacy of the programme both locally and nationally.

The Project Manager will work closely with and be supported by an officer (already in post covering monitoring as well as in support of delivery), as well as by the Trustees and other BCL staff, particularly BCL's Nature Conservation Manager (for practical delivery), Community Engagement Manager (for community engagement and communications) and Education Manager (for both formal and informal learning linked to the project).

This is a fixed term contract until 31/03/2027. The post may require some work at weekends or evenings but working hours can be flexible.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• To lead / project manage the CBS projects assigned to and developed by BCL, and in particular:



• Oversee scope, cost, budget, timelines, risk, quality issues and communications for the assigned projects, based on and adapting existing project proformas.


• Set and monitor objectives, along with key deliverables and milestones, identifying and assigning the tasks that must be completed to fulfil each.


• Coordinate the resources of BCL committed to BCS, alongside professional advisers and all stakeholders.


• Provide direction and leadership to BCL Staff, volunteers and other members of the community engaged with the programme.


• Provide up to date monitoring and evaluation reports for project performance, including comparison of actual against planned / scheduled performance.


• Optimise stakeholder and community involvement through co-design and co-production where relevant, as well as through citizen science and other volunteering opportunities.


• Champion the potential gains to biodiversity and wellbeing alongside climate and flood resilience benefits made possible through Nature Based Solutions, as promoted by CBS, and how these can also bring about other desirable outcomes such as improved water quality and healthier watercourses.


• Support the Communications and Community Engagement Action Plans to help raise awareness, encourage engagement and promote active participation across the wider community. This may include running workshops, displays or exhibitions and leading walks and talks.


• Support the Monitoring and Evaluation team, identifying and collecting required data to support both environmental and social research programmes.


To work collaboratively with BCL's key partners LBRuT and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, as well as other stakeholders, in the delivery of both BCL's assigned projects and in support of the programme:

• Work closely with and as a member of the CBS project management team, led by LBRuT's project manager who has overarching responsibility (with the project Board) for the CBS programme delivery and reporting to Defra/EA.


• Work closely with the scientists engaged by WWT to monitor and evaluate the project.


• Develop effective partnership working with the CBS Communications Officer and others engaged to provide support to the CBS programme across partner organisations.


To deliver the outputs and meet the objectives of the CBS programme effectively and efficiently.

To identify and promote other innovative ideas that could contribute to the immediate programme or be developed as part of the programme's legacy.

Implement and support delivery of volunteer and citizen science activities within the catchment.

At all times to work within the policies and ethos of BCL, especially on equal opportunities and employment law, health & safety, safeguarding, data protection and procurement.

The ethos of BCL is based on actions which are sustainable, local, organic, working inclusively, environmental, ecological and responsible.


• Good project management skills including leadership, time-management, prioritisation and organisation with financial / budgetary / auditing disciplines.


• Experience of consultation with stakeholders including partners, such as government bodies, Environment Agency, other LLFA's, water companies and trusts.


• Someone who enjoys working with residents and volunteers from local communities, building strong partnering relationships.


• A sound appreciation of rivers and the main causes of flooding - pluvial, fluvial, ground water and tidal; the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and drought; an understanding of the key drivers and issues relating to sustainable Flood Risk Management and the potential response measures such as alleviation, mitigation and attenuation would be desirable to have.


• A knowledge and experience of Natural Flood Management i.e. nature based solutions and SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) and understanding of building construction and the effects that flood damage can cause would be desirable to have., Either a degree or equivalent experience and practical knowledge in a relevant discipline, (e.g. natural resources / environmental management, sustainable development, or river/catchment restoration).


• A demonstrable track record managing projects to completion according to outlined scope, budget and timeline with relevant work experience. A recognised qualification or accreditation in project management (e.g. PRINCE2; APM) would be desirable.


• Effective IT and data skills (Outlook, Word, Power Point); skilled in use of GIS mapping (QGIS or ARC); experience of other data modelling / research work would be useful.


• Clean UK driving licence.


• A satisfactory enhanced DBS check and two references.


Personal Skills

• A Team player with a 'Can do' attitude, happy to fit in with and build on other team member's expertise.


• A willing and open communicator with good verbal and written communication skills, providing clear guidance and technical support with high-quality presentation and formal report writing.


• Ability to think innovatively to develop solutions, using an adaptable and pragmatic approach, (problem-solving skills as well as learning from positive and negative experience).


• Track record of thinking on your feet in difficult situations, reshaping plans whilst still achieving goals.
  
  This is an exciting opportunity to join a small but dedicated and dynamic management team, working closely with the Board of Trustees, in an award-winning community organisation, recognised for leadership in 3rd sector service provision.


BCL is a charitable company, limited by guarantee. It works closely with the community to respond to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity and wellbeing through active nature conservation and participation in programmes aimed at building resilience to climate change within the community. BCL works in partnership or collaboration with many other organisations, especially Richmond Council (LBRuT).

BCL is looking to recruit a Project Manager to manage its role in the Community BlueScapes Project (CBS). This is one of 25 schemes nationwide that form part of Defra / EA's Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme, in which BCL's key partners are LBRuT and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). The CBS programme was awarded a budget of £6m over six years to March 2027, with the primary aim to promote innovative flood resilience relating to surface water flooding in an urban environment and specifically within the Beverley Brook catchment in and near to Richmond (from Richmond Park to North Barnes).

Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum dependant on experience.
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week. There may be some evening or weekend work but hours can be flexible including WFH.
Reporting to: The Board of Barnes Common Limited (BCL). Performance will be regularly reviewed by the BCL Board in consultation with the CBS team. Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of targeted outputs and contribution to the wider outcomes of the CBS programme.
Probationary Period: There will be a probationary period of four months.
Notice Period: 1 month's notice during probation, thereafter 3 months.
Pension: A basic 'defined contribution' pension complying with the government 'opt out' pension legislation. BCL operates a policy of postponement for the first three months.
Holiday: 28 days holiday per annum - this will be pro-rated according to start date.
Place of Work: Based at The Pavilion, Vine Road Recreation Ground, Barnes, London, SW13 0NE.
BCL is an equal opportunities employer and committed to supporting personal development and training.