Chief Operating Officer

Salary  £52,832-£70,442 (Pro-rated if part-time)

Hours  This permanent position is offered as a full time 37.5 hours/week or 0.8 FTE part-time role.

Are you a strong leader with a passion for the environment?

The South East Rivers Trust is recruiting a new position of Chief Operating Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the operations of an ambitious rivers trust on a rapid growth trajectory. 

The Role

Are you a strong leader and collaborator looking to take on a challenging and rewarding role that will make a positive and lasting difference to rivers and the aquatic environment in the south east of England?

You will lead the core operational teams and functions of the Trust and your appointment will implement a new structure for our organisation. For the first time, all central operations will sit in one team (c.17 people), including HR, finance, health and safety, project and programme management as well as our Restoring Rivers and Catchments team which implements high quality practical river and catchment enhancement work on the ground.

You will be part of the Executive and Leadership Team supporting the good governance of the Trust and working closely with the Board of Trustees. You will implement our recently launched 3 year plan and shape the long-term future of the Trust. If you are a strong leader excited by change and enjoy inspiring those around you, we would love to hear from you.

About us

The South East Rivers Trust (SERT), is the river restoration charity for the South East of England. Our vision is that rivers across the South East are clean, healthy and rich in biodiversity. Our mission is to restore and protect rivers and their catchments against multiple threats and a dramatically changing climate. We do this by:

• delivering evidence-based and nature-based solutions on land and in rivers;
• inspiring and empowering more people to protect rivers for the future.

Working at SERT is rewarding, fulfilling and busy. We work collaboratively and with passion, and this is reflected in our core values of: delivering high quality work, using expertise and scientific understanding, building good and effective relationships, and bringing positive energy to all we do. With rivers and catchments needing serious action to survive, our aims are growth and impact – so you’ll be comfortable with challenges and excited by change. If this sounds like an environment that you would thrive in, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

For further details and to apply, click on the 'Apply via website' button. The closing date for applications is Sunday 19th January 2025.

If you would like to discuss the position please email with your enquiry and we will arrange to call you back.

Please note: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not sponsor applicants from overseas.