We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Programme
Manager – Farming & Rural Affairs
Salary: £39,152-£44,075 Grade: F15
Location: East Midlands (Hybrid)
Directorate: Place
Reports to: Director of Climate Resilience & Green Growth
Help shape
the future of the East Midlands' rural economy
The East
Midlands is home to thriving rural communities, world-class agricultural
businesses and nationally significant landscapes. As devolution creates new
opportunities for investment and decision-making, we're looking for a Programme
Manager – Farming & Rural Affairs to help ensure rural places are at
the heart of our region's future.
This is an
exciting opportunity to lead the development and delivery of EMCCA's rural and
farming agenda, influencing policy, shaping investment and working with
partners to create sustainable economic growth across the East Midlands.
If you have
programme management experience, enjoy working across a broad range of policy
areas and are passionate about supporting rural communities and businesses,
we'd love to hear from you.
About the
role
You'll lead the
development and delivery of programmes that strengthen the rural economy and
ensure farming and rural priorities are embedded across EMCCA's wider
strategies and investment plans.
Working across
teams and with partners from local government, farming organisations,
businesses, universities, government agencies and community groups, you'll
develop projects that support productivity, skills, infrastructure, climate
resilience and sustainable growth.
You'll also
provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members, helping shape how
devolved powers and funding can deliver meaningful outcomes for rural
communities.
What you'll
be doing
You'll:
- Lead the development and delivery
of EMCCA's Farming & Rural Affairs programme.
- Design and manage programmes and
projects that support rural economic growth, farming, productivity and
environmental resilience.
- Embed rural priorities across wider
strategies covering economic development, transport, housing, skills,
energy, climate resilience and place.
- Develop business cases, funding
bids and investment proposals that secure resources for rural initiatives.
- Manage programme governance,
monitoring, evaluation, financial oversight and risk management.
- Build strong partnerships with
local authorities, DEFRA bodies, farming organisations, land managers,
businesses, universities and community organisations.
- Provide high-quality briefings and
advice to senior leadership, the Mayor and Members.
- Represent EMCCA at regional and
national meetings, conferences and stakeholder events.
- Identify emerging opportunities and
ensure EMCCA remains at the forefront of rural policy and programme
development.
What we're
looking for
We're looking
for someone who combines strong programme management skills with the ability to
work collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders and policy areas.
Essential
- Proven experience delivering
complex programmes or strategies, ideally within farming, rural affairs,
economic development or a related field.
- Strong project and programme
management experience, including governance, commissioning, delivery and
evaluation.
- Experience establishing and
delivering programmes in complex stakeholder environments.
- Excellent communication and
relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence senior
stakeholders and partners.
- The versatility to work confidently
across a broad range of policy and programme areas.
- A strong understanding of at least
one of the following areas:
- Economic growth
- Skills and employment
- Transport
- Housing
- Energy
- Nature recovery
- Climate resilience
- Strong financial awareness and
experience managing programmes that deliver value for money.
- A relevant degree or equivalent
professional experience.
Desirable
- Experience working with rural
businesses, agricultural organisations or farming communities.
- Experience convening partnerships,
facilitating stakeholder groups or delivering conferences and events.
- Membership of a relevant
professional body or evidence of continued professional development.
Why join us?
This is an
opportunity to influence the future of one of England's largest and most
diverse rural regions.
You'll help
shape how devolved powers and investment improve outcomes for rural
communities, businesses and the environment while working alongside passionate
colleagues and partners committed to delivering long-term regional impact.
At EMCCA, our
values guide everything we do:
- Lifting our region – championing opportunities that
benefit our people, businesses and places.
- Working together – building trusted partnerships
and bringing diverse voices together.
- Making an impact – turning ambitious ideas into
practical delivery.
- Being human – leading with authenticity,
respect and inclusion.
If you're
looking for a varied and rewarding role where you can influence regional
policy, develop innovative programmes and make a lasting difference to rural
communities across the East Midlands, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 06 September 2026
Interview Date: w/c 21st September