At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist team to manage sustainable drainage and flood risk across Buckinghamshire.
- Company: Join Buckinghamshire Council, a forward-thinking organisation focused on community and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health initiatives, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality, inclusion, and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate resilience and sustainable development for local communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in flood risk or drainage management required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Are you an experienced flood risk or drainage professional looking for an opportunity to lead a specialist team and influence how growth is delivered across Buckinghamshire?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead Buckinghamshire Council's Sustainable Drainage Team and play a pivotal role in ensuring new development is supported by high-quality sustainable drainage, effective surface water management and climate-resilient design.
As Sustainable Drainage Team Leader, you will oversee the Lead Local Flood Authority's role within the planning process, influencing major development proposals, strategic infrastructure projects and planning policy across one of the country's largest unitary authorities. You will help shape how Buckinghamshire responds to the challenges of climate change, growth and flood risk while supporting the delivery of sustainable places for communities and businesses.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
The Planning, Growth and Sustainability Directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, and transport strategy services, helping to create thriving communities, successful businesses and sustainable development.
The Climate Change and Flood Risk Management (CCFRM Team) manages flood risk in Buckinghamshire and the council’s response to climate change. The Team is comprised of the Flood Management Team, the Sustainable Drainage Team, Project Groundwater, the Flood Capital Programme Team, and the Climate Response Team, with officers who are enthusiastic and passionate about managing local flood risk and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The CCFRM Team delivers the statutory duties of the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and Land Drainage Act (1991); develops and delivers a wide range of flood management and research projects; guides the flood management approach regarding large infrastructure projects; manages large tree planting and sustainable energy projects; and the council’s Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy.
Buckinghamshire presents a unique and varied flood risk management challenge, encompassing major growth areas, nationally significant infrastructure projects, market towns, rural catchments and environmentally sensitive locations. This diversity provides excellent opportunities to develop your expertise while making a tangible difference to local communities.
About the role
As Sustainable Drainage Team Leader, you will lead Buckinghamshire Council's Sustainable Drainage Team and oversee the Lead Local Flood Authority's role within the planning process. You will manage a team of specialist officers, providing technical leadership on surface water drainage and flood risk matters for major and non-major developments, strategic growth sites and nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Working closely with planning officers, developers, consultants and other Risk Management Authorities, you will promote high-quality sustainable drainage, blue-green infrastructure and climate-resilient development across Buckinghamshire.
You will play a key role in shaping local planning policy, contributing to Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and supporting the emerging Buckinghamshire Local Plan, while driving service improvements and helping to shape the future direction of flood risk management across the county.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced flood risk or drainage professional to combine technical expertise, leadership and strategic influence within a highly respected Flood Risk Management service.
About you
We are looking for an experienced and motivated flood risk or drainage professional who has the technical expertise, leadership skills and strategic awareness to lead a specialist team within a busy Lead Local Flood Authority environment. You will have:
- A degree, or equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline such as Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Flood Risk Management or a related subject.
- Significant experience within a Lead Local Flood Authority, local planning authority, consultancy, Environment Agency, water company or similar organisation involved in drainage, flood risk and development planning.
- Extensive knowledge of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), surface water management and flood risk legislation, policy and best practice.
- Experience leading, managing or mentoring technical staff.
- A strong understanding of the planning system and the role of the Lead Local Flood Authority.
- Experience of working on major development proposals and strategic sites.
- The ability to manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes within statutory timescales.
- Strong analytical, communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience contributing to planning policy, strategic flood risk work, guidance documents or wider service improvements.
- The confidence and credibility to represent the Council in public and professional settings.
Professional membership of CIWEM, ICE or a similar professional body would be advantageous.
Other information
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023).
We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Our values and culture
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
- a fair and inclusive culture
- the chance to really make a difference to those around you
- health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
- a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
- ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
- opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.
About the Business Unit
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.
It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
Sustainable Drainage Team Leader employer: CIWEM
At Johns Associates Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you can grow your career as you lead a dynamic water team in Holt. With a diverse portfolio of projects and the opportunity to influence multidisciplinary services, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment that makes a positive impact on the environment and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainable Drainage Team Leader
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like CIWEM.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like CIWEM and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Drainage Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at CIWEM.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. CIWEM will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Sustainable Drainage Team Leader at CIWEM. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at CIWEM
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at CIWEM, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show CIWEM that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
