Programme Manager- Farming and Rural Affairs


Company:	East Midlands Combined County Authority
Salary:	£39,152 - £44,075
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Chesterfield, S40 1SA
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	7 Aug 2026
Closing date:	6 Sept 2026

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Summary

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.

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