About Us

National Parks provide a home for some of the most treasured and visited landscapes in the UK and the South Downs National Park is an important member of this 15 strong family. Located at the heart of Southern England, the Park’s geography is unique and encompasses areas of rolling chalk downland, heathland, ancient woodland, rivers and chalk streams as well as supporting a population of more than 117,000 people living within the Park boundaries and providing the water supply for some 2m people. The ecological importance, biodiversity and heritage of this area is paramount and the SDNPA has a key role in ensuring its protection and enhancement for future generations to enjoy.

The South Downs National Park Authority is responsible for the overall administration and conservation of the National Park. The post of Director of Landscape, with the other members of the Senior Management Team, has a key role in driving forward strategies to support this work and is personally responsible for leading SDNPA’s environmental and landscape profile, programmes and policies, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of national best practice.

As Landscape Director, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategies which deliver the defined outcomes needed for the ongoing protection of the natural environment as specified in our Corporate and Partnership Management Plans. This will be achieved through strong leadership and the close careful management of the Directorate that consists of the core strategic leads and area/ranger teams. You will need to have strong leadership, management, finance, and communication skills with the ability to focus and the flexibility to change direction if resources, priorities or opportunities dictate.

This is a key role for the SDNPA as protection and enhancement of the landscape and environment is the core element of the work of the National Park. The successful individual will need to have an extensive knowledge of climate, water, land use, biodiversity and other environmental issues, but also an understanding of the need for SDNPA to make best use of any commercial opportunities to achieve greater independence from central government funding for the future. Working with central and local government, members, local leaders, charities and other groups, a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility with the ability to influence to deliver outcomes is another key requirement for the role.

The National Park is a vibrant national landscape cherished by many, and an important environment for nature and the people who visit or call it home. If you share the passion for our landscape and have the breadth of skills and knowledge to develop and expand our influence and impact, we would love to hear from you.

To apply: Please select the apply button shown to send us your CV, covering letter (evidencing how you meet criteria in the person specification) and completed monitoring form. All applications must reach us by 11.30pm 24 September 2023.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits
- Flexible working
- Local government pension scheme
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- Access to Health and Wellbeing Portal and Webinars
- 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
- Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty