The role will be based in Kendal however it will involve travelling throughout Cumbria, including to the Trust’s northern office at Gosling Sike near Carlisle.
Business Manager
Location: Kendal, Cumbria
Salary: £42,830 per annum, plus 9% pension contribution.
Duration: Full-time (35 hrs per week) fixed term for 3 years (with possibility of extension).
The role offers a unique opportunity to lead the business development and management of the Trust’s consultancy (Cumbria Wildlife Consulting (CWC)) and commercial plant nursery, ensuring they together provide a high-quality integrated service, meet financial targets, and align with the Trust's mission to protect and restore Cumbria’s natural environment, and inspire action.
Since 2023, the Trust has run a semi-commercial nursery at its Gosling Sike site near Carlisle, providing local provenance, peat-free plug plants for use in our projects, but also selling to partner organisations. The Trust has recently secured funding to expand its operation, increasing capacity and enabling more efficient production.
In addition to the above, the role will also build new, high-value strategic partnerships and business relationships with a focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities within the nature economy.
What we are looking for:
An individual who is enthusiastic and passionate about delivering nature’s recovery in Cumbria, but who is also business-minded with a proven track record of working in a commercial environment. They should possess the relevant skills, experience and confidence to grow new business ventures, taking them to the next stage. Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and have experience of leading teams both remotely and in person. A full driving licence and access to a car with business use insurance are desirable.
Applications: Completed application forms should be returned with a covering letter as a separate attachment, outlining the candidate's suitability for the post and emailed to admin@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.
Closing date for applications is 9.00 am on Thursday 7 May 2026
Postal applications should be posted to Claire Shepherd, HR Manager, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Crook Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8LX.
CV’s will not be considered.
Interviews will be held on Friday 22 May 2026 (with the possibility of second interviews on Friday 5 June 2026).
Only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard anything within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.