Lead Project Officer

Lead Project Officer – National Trail | 9073 | Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2028 | 37 hours per week | £37,280 to £39,152 per annum (Scale I) | Norwich / Holt / Hybrid

Shape the Future of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail

Do you want to play a key role in protecting and enhancing one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK? Are you passionate about sustainable and inclusive access to nature? Norfolk is home to one of England's premier National Trails – the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path – with the King Charles III England Coast Path soon to join them. These remarkable routes offer more than just a place to walk, cycle, or ride; they connect people to nature, support our health and wellbeing, and encourage vibrant rural economies.

We're looking for a Lead Project Officer to join our dedicated team, helping to deliver high-quality improvements across our routes. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the future of access in a region that includes both a National Landscape and Marine Protected Area. You don't need to be an expert in rights of way or National Trails – we're looking for an effective project manager with a passion for making the outdoors more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone.

What You'll Be Doing

In this dynamic and rewarding role, you'll lead on delivery of strategic capital improvement projects along Norfolk's National Trail corridor. Your expertise will be key to the successful design, development, and completion of works that enhance public access while respecting the unique environmental setting. You will:

• Manage all phases of project delivery, from planning to completion

• Oversee contractor relationships, ensuring works meet agreed standards

• Monitor progress to ensure work is delivered on time and within budget

• Proactively engage with partners, stakeholders and the public to build support and share updates

• Identify and manage project risks and issues, with timely mitigation and resolution strategies

• Track performance against KPIs, producing clear, concise progress reports

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, funding conditions, and procurement procedures

We're looking for someone who's not only organised and outcomes-focused but also passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces for all.

What We're Looking For

You'll bring:

• Strong and demonstrable project management experience

• Excellent organisational and communication skills

• Confidence in working with contractors, partners, and stakeholders

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset

A full UK driving licence is essential, as site visits across Norfolk are a key part of the role.

What We Offer

A competitive salary.

Flexible working options – hybrid, office-based.

Generous pension scheme and employee benefits.

Supportive team culture with opportunities for training and development.

A meaningful role in shaping sustainable access to the Norfolk countryside.

Join a Growing Team

There's never been a better time to join the team at Norfolk Coast Protected Landscapes. Be part of a forward-thinking team that's committed to delivering real impact across Norfolk's natural environment. Learn more about us here For more information about this role or our other current vacancies, please contact: Helen Terry

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:

• Competitive salary

• Generous holiday entitlement

• Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service

• Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.

• Financial benefits such as:

• ' Norfolk Rewards' our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.

• A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers

• Relocation expenses (where applicable)

• An advance of your expenses if you travel for work

• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants' pensions

• Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes

• Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)

• A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job

We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.

Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job description and person specification to help you demonstrate how you meet the criteria. You can also find information on our Terms and Conditions here.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for all internal and external vacancies via myOracle using your or email.

We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.

Redeployment closing date: 05 November :55

All other applicants closing date: 12 November :55