Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Highbridge

The Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium manages the operations and affairs of the Axe Brue, Parrett, and North Somerset Levels Internal Drainage Boards across the Somerset Levels and Moors. The Boards’ primary role is the management of water levels to protect people, property, and the environment. This work is guided by a shared suite of policies and byelaws applied consistently across all three Boards. The Boards work collaboratively with the Environment Agency, the Somerset Rivers Authority, Natural England, Somerset Council, and other partners to deliver cost effective, efficient maintenance, improvement and operational programmes that keep watercourses and structures performing to high standards for the benefit of communities and the environment.

This is a rewarding full‑time permanent role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium. The rewards package and salary are generous and will be finalised depending upon the skills, experience of the candidate and the agreed scope of the duties and responsibilities.

The CEO is responsible for leading strategic direction, managing operational activities, and ensuring the efficient delivery of drainage and water level management services.

• Oversee staff, budgets, foster stakeholder relationships, represent the organisation in public engagements, lead flood risk and environmental initiatives, and ensure compliance with governance, regulatory and legislative frameworks.
• Develop and implement strategies that ensure the Boards’ effectiveness in the medium‑ and long‑term, and establish policies, processes and plans to deliver these objectives.
• Optimise governance arrangements across the three boards to improve organisational efficiency.
• Ensure the financial viability of the Boards and the Consortium, including increasing income and controlling costs to optimise service provision.
• Maintain appropriate engineering capability and resources to deliver the Boards’ responsibilities for water level management, flood risk, land management, farming, environmental protection, peat protection and other water‑dependent features.
• Appoint and oversee contractors for delivery of technical services, operations, incident response and engineering works.
• Build and maintain an effective executive team, recruit and develop staff, and cultivate a strong organisational culture.
• Set performance standards, manage succession planning and oversee risk management, including health and safety and IT provision.
• Optimise resource provision, including buildings and offices.
• Facilitate partnership working between the three Boards.
• Execute the Boards’ strategic direction, policies, processes and procedures.
• Take enforcement actions where necessary.
• Maintain and enhance the reputation of the three Boards through public relations.
• Lead and manage the Boards’ relationships with key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Association of Drainage Authorities, Somerset Unitary Councils, Somerset Rivers Authority, Natural England, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Somerset Wildlife Trust, and the RSPB.
• Administer the membership of the Boards, ensure proper records of meetings, and manage electoral and rating registers.
• Review, revise and apply standing orders and financial regulations as approved and adopted by the Boards.
• Act as Returning Officer during any elections.
• Advise the members on administration, procedural and other matters, and implement legislation, regulation and policies.

• Leadership and management skills, including experience managing teams and overseeing organisational operations and business risk.
• Strategic planning and budgeting expertise, with an ability to manage resources efficiently.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage with stakeholders, public authorities, and community groups.
• Knowledge of water level management, environmental management, and/or related fields; familiarity with regulatory and legislative compliance in such areas is a plus.
• Experience in public sector or non‑profit governance is advantageous.
• Ability to foster partnerships, collaborate effectively, and represent the organisation professionally in various settings.
• Relevant academic qualifications or equivalent experience in management, engineering, environmental science, or related disciplines.
• Commitment to the principles of sustainability, flood resilience and environmental stewardship.