Team Leader - Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership

The minimum criteria that will be used to shortlist for this role will be:

• A degree level qualification or equivalent in a relevant environmental discipline.
• Significant experience working in the environment / countryside sector with a sound understanding of relevant policy and practice in the UK relating to protected landscapes.
• Significant experience and proven track record of success in project / programme management, and fundraising in the environment sector.
• Experience of financial management, procurement processes and contract management.
• Experience of working in a partnership environment, and ability to persuade and influence people and to push forward new ideas and methods of working.
• Experience of performance management and staff development.
• Ability to efficiently access areas out of reach of public transport. NB The post holder will be expected to use their own vehicle on most occasions.

Interviews will be held on Monday 23rd November 2026.

Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact Sarah Bentley, Head of Environment and Countryside at: sarah.bentley@staffordshire.gov.uk 

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role. 

Please note: The minimum criteria in the ideal candidate section detailed above will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes, detailed below.

Job Introduction

Do you want to lead the future of one of England's most treasured protected landscapes?

Cannock Chase National Landscape is a remarkable mosaic of heathland, forest and farmland at the heart of the Midlands. We are seeking an exceptional leader to champion its conservation, enhancement and long-term sustainability. Drawing together local authorities, statutory agencies, environmental organisations, businesses and communities, you will inspire partnership action to protect this nationally important landscape for future generations.

As Team Leader, you will provide strategic leadership for a skilled multidisciplinary team, oversee delivery of the National Landscape Management Plan, manage budgets and programmes, secure new funding opportunities, and represent Cannock Chase at regional and national levels. You will play a pivotal role in shaping policy, supporting sustainable land management, improving visitor experiences, and strengthening connections with local communities and businesses.

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative professional with significant experience in the environmental or countryside sector, strong leadership and programme management skills, and a proven track record in partnership working and fundraising.

This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting difference to a nationally significant landscape while leading an ambitious partnership committed to nature, people and place.

Join us in protecting, enhancing and celebrating Cannock Chase National Landscape.

For more information on Cannock Chase National Landscape, see: www.cannock-chase.co.uk

Main Responsibility

Some of the tasks and responsibilities in this role are:

• Strategic overview of the AONB programme and AONB business plan; liaison with Defra and working collaboratively with partners and colleagues, and commissioning contracts as required to achieve delivery under the guidance of the Partnership.
• Line management of AONB staff as required including their performance, development and wellbeing following Council policies and processes. Oversee the work of the team to ensure delivery of the AONB programme, including for planning and development, land management, farming liaison and communications.
• Enable the Partnership to meet its statutory requirements by coordinating the formal review and implementation of the AONB Management Plan and associated evidence base (State of the AONB report) and assessments, developing and shaping AONB policy and working practice, and advising partners as appropriate.
• Business planning and operational management of the partnership budget in association with the SCC Treasurer to the AONB Joint Committee, and according to the host authority financial regulations and funder requirements.
• Lead development work to increase the financial sustainability of the AONB, broadening the funding base (including development for the creation of a charitable body) and securing additional funds to support project delivery.
• Lead delivery visitor management work for the AONB in collaboration with partners through the Task and Finish Group to enhance the visitor experience and manage visit impacts.
• Develop positive links and connections with businesses and communities in and around the AONB to further the work of the partnership.
• Support the work of the AONB Joint Committee and Officers Working Group by co-ordinating meetings and provide updates on reports as required.
• Ensure Cannock Chase is represented at the national level by contributing to activities as part of the family of AONBs and protected landscapes by attending and inputting into meetings and work programmes. Input to national policy development by developing consultation responses for the partnership and support the sharing of expertise and experience and enable Cannock Chase to learn from other protected landscapes and initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

The minimum criteria that will be used to shortlist for this role will be:

• A degree level qualification or equivalent in a relevant environmental discipline.
• Significant experience working in the environment / countryside sector with a sound understanding of relevant policy and practice in the UK relating to protected landscapes.
• Significant experience and proven track record of success in project / programme management, and fundraising in the environment sector.
• Experience of financial management, procurement processes and contract management.
• Experience of working in a partnership environment, and ability to persuade and influence people and to push forward new ideas and methods of working.
• Experience of performance management and staff development.
• Ability to efficiently access areas out of reach of public transport. NB The post holder will be expected to use their own vehicle on most occasions.

Interviews will be held on Monday 23rd November 2026.

Don't feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact Sarah Bentley, Head of Environment and Countryside at: sarah.bentley@staffordshire.gov.uk

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role.

Please note: The minimum criteria in the ideal candidate section detailed above will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes, detailed below.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council

Our Values

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Salary

£51,928 - £56,293

Working conditions

Contract: Permanent Full time

Working hours: 37

Pay frequency: Annual