Strategic Planning Programme Manager

Fixed Term Contract – Up to 2 Years £41771 - £46142 per annum

National Parks are special places. They protect some of our most inspiring landscapes, support thriving communities, welcome millions of visitors and tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time.

We’re looking for an exceptional Strategic Planning Programme Manager to help shape our future.

Working directly with our Chief Executive, Leadership Team and Members, you’ll lead one of the Authority’s highest-profile strategic programmes: developing the framework that will guide our organisation over the coming years. This includes our new Management Plan, Local Plan, Bridging Business Plan and subsequent Business Plan, ensuring they are ambitious, evidence-led and connected by a clear strategic vision.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of the National Park, working at the heart of an organisation committed to protecting nature, supporting communities and responding to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity recovery and sustainable development.

This is a leadership role without direct line management, requiring someone who can bring people together, build consensus and deliver complex programmes across organisational boundaries.

You’ll:

• Lead and coordinate the Authority’s strategic planning programme from inception through to delivery.
• Develop robust programme governance, reporting and delivery arrangements.
• Work closely with senior leaders, Members and officers to ensure strategic plans are aligned, achievable and deliver real outcomes.
• Design and oversee meaningful consultation and engagement with communities, partners and stakeholders.
• Ensure our plans are underpinned by strong evidence, performance data and national policy.
• Coordinate multiple work streams, managing risks, dependencies and milestones to keep delivery on track.
• Commission and manage specialist support where required.
• Help ensure our organisational development, performance, communications and strategic projects work together to achieve our long-term ambitions.

You’ll be a strategic thinker with outstanding programme management skills and a passion for delivering meaningful change.

You’ll have experience of leading complex strategic programmes, ideally within local government, the public sector or another partnership‑based organisation, and you’ll be comfortable working with senior leaders, elected Members and a wide range of stakeholders.

You’ll also bring:

• A track record of delivering complex programmes involving multiple partners and work streams.
• Experience developing corporate strategies, business plans or policy frameworks.
• Excellent programme and project management skills.
• Strong governance, reporting and decision‑making experience.
• Outstanding communication, facilitation and influencing skills.
• The ability to translate complex information into clear, practical action.
• A collaborative approach, political awareness and excellent judgement.

A degree (or equivalent professional experience) and significant experience in programme management, strategic planning, organisational development or a related discipline are essential. Professional qualifications such as PRINCE2, MSP or APM are desirable.

This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

You’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Authority at a pivotal time, influencing decisions that will benefit landscapes, wildlife, communities and future generations.

In return, you’ll join a passionate and dedicated organisation where collaboration, innovation and public service are valued, and where your work will have a genuine and lasting impact.

If you’re an experienced strategic programme leader who enjoys bringing people together, navigating complexity and delivering change that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape the future of our National Park.

If you’d like to apply, please read the job pack and complete the application form by 21 July 2026 at 8am
.

Based at Hexham with the possibility of some home working