Network Manager

Job Summary

We’re looking for a Network Manager to lead and develop the Nature Towns and Cities Network. The Network facilitates cross‑sector and cross‑discipline knowledge exchange and collaboration to build confidence and capacity across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and represent the network, bringing energy and enthusiasm to participants and the team.
• Deliver day‑to‑day network activities and shape its future development.
• Engage with partners, sector bodies, devolved nation organisations, and other networks to meet practitioners’ needs.
• Apply strong project‑management skills to ensure events, activities and conferences are delivered on time, on budget and within scope.
• Identify entrepreneurial opportunities to grow and collaborate, seeking partnerships and new initiatives.
• Manage the network budget and collaborate with communications colleagues to promote network activity.
• Design and deliver stakeholder communications and impact reporting.
• Spot innovation, share learning and ideas, and scale effective practices.
• Drive continual improvement by gathering, analysing and acting on feedback and impact assessment.
• Supervise a Network Officer and work closely with broader Nature Towns and Cities colleagues.
• Travel across the UK for partner meetings, stakeholder engagement, team days and collaborative activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of local government and the urban operating environment, plus experience in one or more of: urban nature, green infrastructure, urbanism, climate resilience, health, community development or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering or developing a network or similar function.
• Flexible thinker, problem‑solver, skilled negotiator who builds productive networks and influences senior leaders.
• Strong communicator capable of managing complex, challenging situations with competing interests and diverse stakeholders.
• Inclusive leader committed to fostering an inclusive culture.
• Demonstrated experience delivering end‑to‑end project or programme management.
• Professional project‑management qualification (e.g. AMP PMQ/Prince or MSP) and evidence of ongoing CPD.

Contract & Location

• Fixed‑term contract until February 2029.
• Contractual location: Manchester, Swindon, Birmingham or London.
• Work 40–60% of the week at a National Trust or partner office.
• Regular travel across the UK for partner and stakeholder engagement.
• Managed by the Deputy Programme Director for Nature Towns and Cities.

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary.
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and children under 18.
• Rental deposit loan scheme.
• Season ticket loan scheme.
• EV car lease scheme (for roles meeting salary criteria).
• Perks such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts.
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days (based on length of service) with a holiday purchase scheme where eligible.
• Flexible working where possible.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Free parking at most National Trust sites.

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