Job Description

Purpose of the role

We are seeking an experienced and driven project manager to lead the delivery of Transforming the Thames, a landmark seascape-scale habitat restoration initiative.



This ambitious, partnership-led project aims to restore the ecological health of the Greater Thames Estuary, creating a more resilient, connected, and thriving coastal environment. Co-created by a coalition of around 20 organisations, Transforming the Thames is entering its first 4.5-year delivery phase with $5 million in secured funding. The project directly contributes to ZSL's global strategy, A Blueprint for Wildlife Recovery, which sets out our journey to 2030 and how we will restore nature, looking for answers through science and working with people to find solutions.



As Project Manager, you'll play a key role in driving forward the first phase of this multi-habitat coastal restoration plan. You will work closely with the project steering group, delivery partners, the Science Lead, and ZSL's Coastal Habitat Recovery Team to ensure coordination and progress across workstreams. The role includes managing a large, complex budget, overseeing up to three direct reports, and commissioning specialist work from external organisations. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a pioneering conservation project with long-term, landscape-level impact.

Key responsibilities:

Project Oversight:

Oversee project deliverables, keeping the project and partners to task, within budget and timelines.

Partner Engagement:

Liaise with project partners, fostering good relationships and work with them to continue seascape planning for subsequent phases of the project.

Project Promotion & Advocacy:

Actively promote and communicate about the project and its objectives to a range of audiences including project partners, stakeholders, local community groups and scientific conferences.

Communications Strategy:

Develop communications plan with the ZSL Communications team, including press releases, social media and video production.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure the project complies with relevant environmental laws, regulations, and best practices.

Budget Management:

Manage a large and complex budget ($5 million) and liaison with project funders.

Team Leadership:

Provide guidance and support for up to three direct reports to achieve project goals.

About You

Previous experience in managing and delivering large, complex projects. Proven experience in managing large budgets Experience working with partnership and stakeholders, sometimes with conflicting views. A track record of developing and pursuing grant/other funding for medium - sized projects. Energy and enthusiasm to deliver the objectives of the project whilst developing new opportunities and collaborations for the future. Advanced skills in using MS office packages, specifically Excel and PowerPoint or equivalent software packages will be acceptable. Familiarity with managing competing priorities and delegate effectively. Strong knowledge of coastal habitat restoration techniques and seascape theory. A full driving license is required for this role.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About Us

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:


Our vision and purpose - you'll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

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