Site Manager – Franchises Lodge

Job Description

We are looking for an inspirational leader to join our team managing our reserve operations in the New Forest, overseeing the effective and compliant delivery at Franchises Lodge and supporting the development of Cameron’s Cottage in order to achieve our objectives for people and biodiversity.

RSPB Franchises Lodge, located in the north of the New Forest National Park, is one of the RSPB’s newest reserves; over 400ha of mixed woodland with lesser spotted woodpecker, hawfinch and wood warbler is just starting its journey towards a more natural broadleaf and wood pasture landscape. Nestled in the heart the reserve is Cameron’s Cottage, renovated in partnership with the Cameron Bespolka Trust to create a sustainable residential centre where groups of young people can experience and learn about the natural world.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the way both the Reserve and Cameron’s Cottage advance at an early stage of their development.

You will…

• Lead the vision and direction for the reserve, through the production and delivery of management plans.
• Lead and develop the reserve/s management team, to effectively deliver site objectives.
• Recruit, manage and develop staff to effectively perform and deliver those objectives.
• Schedule, organise and control various on-site activities to maximise visitor experience and maximise income potential
• Develop and manage the site budget to ensure financial compliance and delivery of the RSPB’s objectives.
• Work actively with colleagues (e.g. Fundraising and Communications) to secure external grant income and ensure compliance with external funder requirements to deliver RSPB’s objectives for site and corporate objectives.
• Take responsibility for the safe and compliant management of all site operations, overseeing systems such that risks are adequately controlled. well-maintained, safe, secure and risk-free at all times.
• Project manage medium/small projects to ensure the project delivers to the project objectives.
• Be the main point of contact with the local community to build/maintain good relationships.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of woodland management
• A proven track record of managing nature reserves.
• Experience of:
• Project Management.
• Managing contracts and contractors.
• Managing people (staff and/or volunteers).
• Budget management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Good time management and prioritisation skills and adept at problem solving.

This is a Permanent, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position during week commencing 11 December 2023. For further information please contact dante.munns@rspb.org.uk.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.