At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead flood risk and sustainable drainage projects to protect Luton from climate change.
- Company: Luton Council, dedicated to community resilience and sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community's future while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in flood risk management and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making Luton a better place for everyone.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 57000 £ per year.
Job Description
Flood Risk Programme Development Manager
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Luton
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£53,460 – £56,681 a year pro rata plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
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Fixed Term / Secondment for up to 3 years
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We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Flood Risk Programme Development Manager to play a leading role in shaping and delivering the council’s flood risk and sustainable drainage programme. This is a unique opportunity to lead on a portfolio of schemes that are critical to protecting our town from the increasing risks of climate change, ranging from flagship projects such as the Open Lea town centre scheme to the SuDS in Schools programme and a series of smaller but equally important developments.
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In this role, you will act as the council’s lead professional within the climate change team, taking full responsibility for creating and delivering new flood risk management and sustainable drainage projects. You will manage schemes from the earliest stages of site identification and financial appraisal through to land acquisition, procurement, construction and successful handover. You will ensure that projects meet the highest standards of compliance, safety, governance and quality while remaining on time and within budget.
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The role is central to driving forward projects of strategic importance and includes working closely with government agencies, water companies, developers and other risk management authorities. You will represent the council in regional and national forums, act as an ambassador for investment in flood risk management and help to attract development partners to support our wider vision for climate resilience and blue/green infrastructure improvements. Alongside project delivery, you will line manage project officers and other staff, deputise for the Head of Climate Change where required, and contribute to the development of strategies, policies and procedures that will strengthen our long-term approach to flood risk.
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About You
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We are looking for an experienced and confident professional with significant experience in developing and delivering flood risk and sustainable drainage projects, from inception through to completion. You will have a strong track record in programme management, including managing multiple projects simultaneously and overseeing capital budgets at scale. Your technical knowledge of construction, drainage and flood risk mitigation, combined with an understanding of land acquisition, planning and procurement processes, will enable you to lead complex schemes effectively.
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You will be an excellent communicator, able to build strong and positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from senior colleagues and elected members to partner agencies, developers and local communities. You will bring strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to secure consensus and commitment across diverse groups. Well organised and highly resilient, you will be able to manage competing demands, maintain clear oversight of multiple projects and respond quickly to emerging challenges.
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We are seeking someone with the vision to shape inclusive and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of our community, and the drive to ensure they are delivered to the highest standard. A relevant professional qualification in construction, the built environment or sustainability alongside evidence of continuing professional development, will be expected. Above all, you will bring leadership, expertise and determination to a role that will make a tangible difference to the future resilience of our town.
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About Us
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Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision– that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
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The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
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We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
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Benefits
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We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
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From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
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To apply, please visit our website.
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Closing date: 31 October 2025.
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Flood Risk Programme Development Manager - Luton Council employer: Luton Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Flood Risk Programme Development Manager - Luton Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the flood risk and climate change sectors. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Luton Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for sustainable drainage and flood risk management. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in managing multiple projects and your technical knowledge. Get a friend to help you rehearse so you can deliver your points confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Luton Council and contributing to their vision for a resilient community.
We think you need these skills to ace Flood Risk Programme Development Manager - Luton Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. Make sure you understand what Luton Council is looking for in a Flood Risk Programme Development Manager. This will help you tailor your application to highlight the skills and experiences that matter most.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: When you're putting together your application, focus on your experience with flood risk and sustainable drainage projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully managed similar schemes in the past. We want to see your track record!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity, so use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents properly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Luton Council. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Council
✨Know Your Flood Risk Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest flood risk management strategies and sustainable drainage systems. Familiarise yourself with Luton Council's current projects and how they align with climate resilience. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of projects you've managed, especially those related to flood risk or sustainable drainage. Highlight your experience in overseeing budgets and timelines, as well as how you navigated challenges during project delivery.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in past roles. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve built consensus among diverse groups, as this is crucial for the role. Strong communication skills are key!
✨Demonstrate Your Vision for the Future
Articulate your ideas on how to shape inclusive and sustainable solutions for the community. Show that you’re not just focused on immediate projects but also have a long-term vision that aligns with Luton’s 2040 Vision.