Project Manager

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you ready to lead a transformative project that will foster a sense of pride and ownership and shape the future of Lewisham’s parks and open spaces? As Project Manager for our Nature Neighbourhoods for all project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s (NLHF) Nature Towns & Cities Fund, you’ll champion biodiversity, community engagement, and environmental innovation. If you’re passionate about nature, inclusion, and making a real difference, this is the role for you.

What’s the role?

• Lead the delivery of the Nature Towns & Cities project in line with NLHF guidelines and Council priorities.
• Foster a sense of pride and ownership in Lewisham’s open spaces among all residents, with a focus on engaging communities historically underrepresented in the management and decision-making of parks and open spaces.
• Coordinate all aspects of the project, including managing a multi-stakeholder steering group and supervising the Engagement Officer.
• Oversee the project’s budget, including NLHF grant and match funding.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

• Strong project management skills with budget oversight and reporting experience.
• Skilled in community engagement, especially with diverse and underrepresented groups.
• Knowledge of greenspace management, biodiversity, and urban sustainability.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational abilities.
• Committed to community development, equality, and inclusion.
• (Desirable) Degree or professional qualification in project or environmental management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile)

Location

The post will have an office base in Laurence House, Catford, but many of the duties will be carried out in the Lewisham’s Open Spaces and with the parks service based at Wearside Service Centre, Ladywell

Special conditions

• The role will line manage the Community Engagement Officer.
• Some evening and weekend work, as well as travel around the borough, will be required.
• Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled candidates.
• DBS Disclosure Required: Yes
• Driving licence required

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

The interview process for this role will include a technical interview hosted by council officers, after which you may be invited back for a second interview with representatives from our community, who we will be engaging with through this project.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Rachel Pierce - rachel.pierce@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£49,155 - £51,228 per annum (PO3)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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