Chief Programme Officer

Altum Consulting; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in Maidstone is seeking a Chief Programme Officer (CPO) to oversee operations and drive growth. This role involves managing a diverse team, enhancing internal systems, and supporting business development. With a competitive salary around £55,000, the ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience and a passion for environmental sustainability. The position offers flexibility with a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Competitive salary around £55,000

Performance-related pay

Hybrid working flexibility

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in operations or programme management required.
• Experience in environmental consultancy or ecological services desirable.
• Strong communication skills and ability to motivate teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support operations, ensuring efficient project delivery.
• Manage and develop a team of around 20 staff.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new clients.
• Strengthen internal systems and communication.

Skills

Senior leadership experience in operations

Proven ability to lead teams

Communication and relationship-building skills

Confidence working with budgets

Job description

Overview

Practice area: Charity and Public Sector

Altum Consulting is pleased to be working with Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (ABEC), part of the Kent Wildlife Trust Group (KWTG), to appoint a new Chief Programme Officer (CPO).

ABEC is a growing environmental consultancy delivering ecological and biodiversity services across Kent, the South East and the UK. Its work includes protected species surveys, biodiversity net gain, natural capital and nature-based solutions, strategic research, and marine and coastal services. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kent Wildlife Trust, all ABEC profits are reinvested into the charity to support its mission for a Wilder Kent 2030.

KWTG brings together Kent Wildlife Trust and its three subsidiaries - ABEC, Wilder Carbon and Kent Wildlife Enterprises - to deliver a sustainable model for environmental recovery and climate resilience.

About the Role

The Chief Programme Officer will help ABEC strengthen its operations, develop its people, and deliver on its plans for growth. Working with the Managing Director and the Kent Wildlife Trust Group's senior leadership, you'll oversee day-to-day operations, project management, and business planning, while supporting financial performance and business development.

You'll also play a key role in improving how ABEC and the wider Trust work together - helping build stronger connections between the consultancy and the charity to maximise shared impact.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining operational management with people leadership and wants to make a practical impact in an organisation with a clear environmental purpose.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support ABEC's operations, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, profitably and to a high standard.
• Manage and develop a team of around 20 staff, including ecologists, project managers and seasonal surveyors.
• Strengthen internal systems, processes and communication, working with colleagues across finance, HR, IT and governance.
• Support the Managing Director and Group COO with business planning, financial management and reporting.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new clients, markets and partnership opportunities.
• Build a positive and inclusive culture and promote collaboration across ABEC and the wider Kent Wildlife Trust Group.

About You

We're looking for a capable, people-focused leader who can improve systems, strengthen teams, and help the business operate at its best. You may come from an environmental consultancy, commercial or not-for-profit background - what matters most is your ability to combine practical management skills with strategic thinking and sound judgement.

You'll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in operations or programme management, ideally in consultancy, environmental services or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead teams and improve systems and performance.
• Confidence working with budgets, forecasts and business planning.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to motivate and gain trust.
• A collaborative, pragmatic approach and an interest in environmental sustainability.

Desirable:

• Experience in environmental consultancy or ecological services.
• Understanding of biodiversity net gain, planning or surveying.

Why Join ABEC

• Purpose - your work directly supports Kent Wildlife Trust's conservation goals for a Wilder Kent 2030.
• Flexibility - hybrid working with at least two days per week in the Maidstone office.
• Opportunity - play a key role in the next stage of ABEC's development.
• Reward - competitive salary around £55,000, with performance-related pay and group benefits.

How to Apply

Altum Consulting is managing the recruitment process on behalf of KWT and ABEC. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with the aim of appointing the new CPO in early 2026. To apply or find out more, please submit your CV today.

Both Altum Consulting and Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

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