Countryside Programme Manager

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC622818

Salary Range: £48,948 - £54,423 per annum

Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours will be considered)

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 15 December please note applications will be reviewed once submitted, therefore this advert may close early depending on volumes of applications received

Interview Date: w/c 19 January 2026

The Role:

The Hampshire Countryside Service plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing the natural environment, rich in biodiversity, heritage, and opportunities for recreation and wellbeing. The service is responsible for the management of 80 sites, 71 heritage features, 1,380ha of grassland, 1,524ha of woodland, 112ha of heathland, 225ha of wetland, five country parks, two farm attractions and almost 3,000 miles of rights of way.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Programme Manager to lead the strategic coordination and delivery of our capital programme, valued at over £2.5 million annually.

What you'll do:

You'll manage the full programme lifecycle - from funding to delivery, ensuring robust governance, effective resource allocation, and high-quality outcomes. This is a key role within the Countryside Service, leading a project team and working closely with internal colleagues and external partners to oversee projects that improve and protect Hampshire's natural environment, keep the rights of way network open and working and develop the visitor offer at our Country Parks.

This role is primarily office-based with occasional travel to countryside sites across Hampshire. You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire (and the Isle of Wight or other local authority), and it is essential that you have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

What we're looking for:

We're looking for someone who brings:

• A collaborative leadership style and proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven experience managing complex programmes or multiple projects.
• Strong governance and assurance skills, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities.
• Financial acumen in budget management and resource planning.

Ideally, you'll hold a recognised programme or project management qualification (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2, Agile) and have a good understanding of public sector governance and funding streams.

Why join us?

We offer a great employment benefits package, which includes:

• A competitive salary and generous pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements and a hybrid working model.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A chance to make a real impact on Hampshire's countryside and communities.

If you're ready to lead a high-impact programme that supports Hampshire's natural environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Information:

Countryside Programme Manager Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Rachel Spicer, Strategic Manager on

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.