Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible/hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Sponsorship not offered

Job summary

Somerset Council, based in Somerset, England, is seeking a Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead to shape flood and coastal risk management across the county. The role leads a team, manages major projects and drives collaboration with partners to protect communities and the environment.

You will oversee programmes, budgets and investigations, while securing funding opportunities and providing expert guidance to improve services and resilience.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of flood risk management legislation, policy and best practice.
• Experience working within flood risk management, drainage, coastal or related services.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Experience of managing complex projects, programmes and resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of flood risk professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee flood and coastal risk management projects, programmes and budgets.
• Manage flood investigations, drainage responsibilities and compliance activities.
• Build strong partnerships with the Environment Agency, water companies and other key stakeholders.
• Provide specialist advice to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities to support flood resilience initiatives.

Skills

Flood risk management

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication

Job description

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Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Are you passionate about helping communities become more resilient to flooding and coastal change?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in shaping Somerset's approach to flood and coastal risk management, influencing major projects, building strong partnerships and helping protect people, places and the environment. You'll join a supportive team where your expertise can make a lasting impact across the county.

About the Role

As Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead, you'll lead the delivery of flood and coastal risk management activities across Somerset. You'll oversee specialist programmes and projects, manage key partnerships and ensure the Council meets its responsibilities as the Lead Local Flood Authority.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead and develop a team of flood risk professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee flood and coastal risk management projects, programmes and budgets.
• Manage flood investigations, drainage responsibilities and compliance activities.
• Build strong partnerships with the Environment Agency, water companies and other key stakeholders.
• Provide specialist advice to support decision-making and service improvement.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities to support flood resilience initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Strong knowledge of flood risk management legislation, policy and best practice.
• Experience working within flood risk management, drainage, coastal or related services.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Experience of managing complex projects, programmes and resources.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build effective partnerships.
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Vicky Farwig (Service Manager: Flood and Coastal Service) on [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.