Chief Executive Officer

GenWater Ltd; Penrith; On-site; GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental conservation organization in the UK is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide strategic initiatives and operational efforts. The successful candidate will possess senior leadership skills and experience in the environmental conservation sector, with a focus on promoting integrated catchment management and building partnerships. This role provides a unique opportunity to impact local water management significantly. Applications are open until midnight, 15 March 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the environmental conservation sector.
• Ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage operational delivery.
• Demonstrated success in business development.

Responsibilities

• Lead Eden Rivers Trust in strategic planning and operational execution.
• Work with partners to address environmental issues in water management.
• Enhance conservation efforts in Eden and Cumbria.

Skills

Senior leadership skills

Strategic organisational planning

Business development

People management

Communication

Resource management

Job description

About you

The successful candidate will have proven senior leadership skills and strong experience in the environmental conservation sector. They will be able to demonstrate experience and achievement across the core elements of a CEO role: strategic organisational planning, business development, operational delivery, people management and development, communication and management of resources.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please consider joining us to lead our work in Rethinking Eden’s Rivers for Good.

About us

Eden Rivers Trust (ERT) is the Cumbrian conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers, enhancing and protecting the river environment so that people and wildlife can thrive. Since 1996, we have created and protected havens for wildlife, ensured that our precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone, and spread the word about healthy, natural rivers far and wide.

Through the combination of our team’s expertise in working with nature and natural processes, the passion of our volunteers, and our partnership work, together we are finding better ways to help Eden’s rivers thrive – for wildlife, for people, and for generations to come.

About the role

This role represents an exciting opportunity to build on Eden Rivers Trust’s success and take the Trust forward at a time when rivers and water are high in the public consciousness and firmly on the Government’s agenda. Change is expected across the water sector, and Eden Rivers Trust wants to be part of delivering that change – working positively and practically from the ground up.

We have opportunities to make a significant impact in tackling many environmental issues around water in the Eden and Cumbria; promoting the concept of integrated catchment management through delivering our strategic plan and the Eden Catchment Plan, both of which contribute to the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Government’s Environment Improvement Plan and Plan for Water.

We will do this working with a multitude of partners, including our sister Rivers Trusts in Cumbria and across the North West.

For more information and details of how to apply, please read the Recruitment pack.

CEO Recruitment pack 2026

How to apply

To apply for this role, please forward the following by email to [e-mail]

• A completed application form
• A covering letter outlining your motivation for applying for the post as CEO
• Your CV

Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday, 15 March 2026 First interviews for this post will take place either week beginning Monday, 23 March or 30 March 2026 and will be a mixture of online and in‑person interviews.