Transforming Thames Partnership Project Manager; FTE

Purpose of the role

We are seeking an experienced and driven project manager to lead the delivery of Transforming the Thames, a landmark seascape-scale habitat restoration initiative.

This ambitious, partnership-led project aims to restore the ecological health of the Greater Thames Estuary, creating a more resilient, connected, and thriving coastal environment. Co‑created by a coalition of around 20 organisations, Transforming the Thames is entering its first 4.5‑year delivery phase with $5 million in secured funding. The project directly contributes to ZSL’s global strategy, A Blueprint for Wildlife Recovery, which sets out our journey to 2030 and how we will restore nature, looking for answers through science and working with people to find solutions.

As Project Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving forward the first phase of this multi‑habitat coastal restoration plan. You will work closely with the project steering group, delivery partners, the Science Lead, and ZSL’s Coastal Habitat Recovery Team to ensure coordination and progress across work streams. The role includes managing a large, complex budget, overseeing up to three direct reports, and commissioning specialist work from external organisations.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a pioneering conservation project with long‑term, landscape‑level impact.

This position is a fixed‑term contract, requiring 22.5 hours of work per week over three days. The pro‑rata salary is between £22,388.70 and £25,380 per annum.

• Project Oversight:
  Oversee project deliverables, keeping the project and partners to task, within budget and timelines.
• Partner Engagement:
  Liaise with project partners, fostering good relationships and work with them to continue seascape planning for subsequent phases of the project.
• Project Promotion & Advocacy:
  Actively promote and communicate about the project and its objectives to a range of audiences including project partners, stakeholders, local community groups and scientific conferences.
• Communications Strategy:
  Develop communications plan with the ZSL Communications team, including press releases, social media and video production.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  Ensure the project complies with relevant environmental laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Budget Management:
  Manage a large and complex budget ($5 million) and liaise with project funders.
• Team Leadership:
  Provide guidance and support for up to three direct reports to achieve project goals.

• Previous experience in managing and delivering large, complex projects.
• Proven experience in managing large budgets.
• Experience working with partnership and stakeholders, sometimes with conflicting views.
• A track record of developing and pursuing grant/other funding for medium‑size projects.
• Energy and enthusiasm to deliver the objectives of the project whilst developing new opportunities and collaborations for the future.
• Advanced skills in using MS office packages, specifically Excel and PowerPoint or equivalent software packages will be acceptable.
• Familiarity with managing competing priorities and delegating effectively.
• Strong knowledge of coastal habitat restoration techniques and seascape theory.
• A full driving license is required for this role.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day…