Make a difference to our thriving city

Dear applicant,

Thank you for your interest in the Natural Environment Director role within the City of London Corporation’s Environment Department.

The City Corporation owns and manages approximately 11,000 acres of historic and natural green spaces, including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, West Ham Park, West Wickham and Coulsdon Commons, Burnham Beeches and Stoke Common, and Ashtead Common. These spaces are highly valued public assets and registered charities, supporting biodiversity, conservation, public recreation, climate action and wellbeing.

The Natural Environment Director is a pivotal senior leadership role, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Natural Environment Division, leading a review and transformation of the open spaces’ charities, and delivering a strategic plan aligned to the City Corporation’s Corporate Strategy, Climate Action Strategy and wider ambitions for sustainability, biodiversity and public benefit.

We are seeking a values-driven, visible and collaborative leader with strong experience in conservation, leisure, charity, public and / or voluntary sector environments. You will bring strategic judgement, commercial nous and emotional intelligence, with the ability to operate effectively within a complex civic and charitable governance environment, provide expert advice to Committees, and ensure decisions are taken in line with corporate governance, statutory duties and charity obligations.

A key priority will be leading the charity review and developing sustainable funding and income generation models that secure the long-term future of these natural assets. As a member of the wider Environment Department, the successful candidate will work collaboratively and in partnership with the senior leadership team, Members, senior officers, corporate departments, partners, staff, volunteers and communities, while maintaining a visible presence across natural environment sites and building a culture of trust, innovation, inclusion and high performance.

We look forward to receiving your application and learning how your experience, leadership and vision can help secure the future of these treasured spaces for London and Londoners.

Yours sincerely