National Trail Team Leader

Fixed term contract until 30 April 2026 | £35,411 to £37,261 per annum (Scale J) | 37 hours per week | County Hall, Norwich

In 2009, the Government announced its intention to create a new continuous National Trail known as the England Coast Path. Once established, it will create the world’s longest coastal trail – a high quality 4,500 km walking route around the English coast. Within Norfolk, the route currently stretches from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, with work on the final stretch between Sutton Bridge and Hunstanton due to commence in Spring 2023. On completion, walkers will be able to explore the entirety of Norfolk’s coastline, experiencing everything from saltmarsh and seabirds, to promenades and seaside towns. This milestone will align with the 40 th anniversary of Norfolk’s National Trail in 2026 and represents huge engagement and promotional opportunities for the region.

The National Trail brand is already well-known. This position will develop and raise the profile of the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path within this brand family, leading on projects which deliver sustainable and strategic benefits for Norfolk’s nature, communities, and rural economies. You will work closely with neighbouring counties to create an East of England Coastal Path, uniting Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex to showcase the eastern coastline as a high-quality destination for walkers. You will explore opportunities for diversification of funding, revenue generation and innovative marketing.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person to lead the National Trail Team in Norfolk. You will report to the Protected Landscapes Manager and the Trail Partnership and work closely with the wider NCC Environment Service. You will lead on completion of the Norfolk Coast Path and oversee maintenance works and upgrades to the route. You will identify and deliver development opportunities, including access for all improvements and inclusive promotional campaigns. You will raise the profile of Norfolk as a walking destination which welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy our region.

You will be responsible for facilitating effective and strategic working relationships across a diverse range of local, regional, and national stakeholders. These will include local authorities, statutory bodies, land managers, NGOs, and community groups. You will work to align interests, nurture new partnership opportunities and co-develop external funding bids. You will report on matters of project progress and budget, chair meetings and present to key audiences.

The postholder will line manage a small team of officers, overseeing the team in their day-to-day tasks, leading on their training and professional development. You will strive to create a positive work environment and a strong team ethic that focuses on delivering a high level of service.

The role will carry some budget management responsibility and you will need to be confident in making decisions, steering project development and delivering high quality experiences which are safe and enjoyable.

We are looking for someone with a good mix of project delivery expertise, access infrastructure knowledge, partnership working experience and proven team leadership skills.

This position requires a full driving license and willingness to travel across Norfolk. Norfolk County Council offers flexible working and the opportunity to work from home and locations across the region. This is a fixed-term position for three years.

For an informal conversation about this role, please contact katy.owen@norfolk.gov.uk

We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for all internal and external vacancies via myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email address.

Before you apply see the full job description and person specification in the below link – this will help you to shape your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria for the role.

Job Description and Person Specification

You can also find out about the rewards and benefits we offer as well as our other terms and conditions.

Closing date: 18 April 2023