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- Tasks: Lead innovative flood management projects and drive community-focused solutions.
- Company: Westmorland and Furness Council, committed to shaping better public services.
- Benefits: Competitive pension, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience and community safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering or flood risk management with a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Agile working/working from home/Base within Westmorland & Furness
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Westmorland and Furness Council is an ambitious, forward-looking authority committed to shaping public services for the better. Building on our strengths and transforming for the future, we put our communities at the heart of everything we do. As our landscape, climate and local priorities evolve, we are investing in innovative, nature-based and engineered approaches to flood and coastal risk management. This is a unique opportunity to join a service at the forefront of adaptation, resilience and community-centred delivery.
We are recruiting a Flood Programme Lead Officer to drive delivery of our growing portfolio of flood alleviation, resilience and sustainable drainage schemes across Westmorland and Furness. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced engineer or project manager who can combine technical expertise with strategic thinking. You will play a key part in shaping how our area responds to increasing climate pressures, evolving national mapping and modelling, and the accelerated drive towards working with nature. This post sits within our capital delivery framework and is funded through project and programme activity. The successful candidate will help shape, develop and deliver a pipeline of schemes, contributing directly to the continued growth and impact of flood and coastal investment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and delivery of multiple flood investigation and alleviation projects, including schemes under £100k and supporting larger capital schemes
- Developing and overseeing a forward programme of schemes from 2026, ensuring they are technically achievable, financially robust and community-centered
- Providing day-to-day leadership for officers delivering local flood and coastal risk work
- Working closely with partners, communities and Regional Flood and Coastal Committees to secure funding
- Overseeing delivery of statutory duties and acting as deputy for the Senior Manager for Flood & Coastal Risk Management
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for someone with strong experience delivering engineering or flood risk management projects supported through government and non-government funding streams. This may include programmes backed by DEFRA, EU initiatives, research collaborations, local levy, and partnership schemes with organisations such as utilities, infrastructure bodies, universities or research institutions. Knowledge of sustainable drainage, Natural Flood Management, local drainage systems and engineered solutions is key. If you are a Civil Engineer, Project Manager or Flood Risk professional with a passion for climate resilience and environmental outcomes, we would love to hear from you.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Jason Harte, Senior Service Lead on or 07551678457.
Application and Interview information
Interview date: w/c Monday 4th May 2026. We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Lead Officer Flood and Development Management in England employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Officer Flood and Development Management in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the flood management and engineering sectors. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Westmorland and Furness Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience with flood risk management and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your technical expertise and strategic thinking clearly. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Officer Flood and Development Management in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in flood risk management and engineering. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Westmorland and Furness Council.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us know why you're passionate about climate resilience and environmental outcomes. A genuine enthusiasm for the role can really make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and experiences related to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of flood risk management and sustainable drainage systems. Familiarise yourself with recent projects and initiatives in the field, especially those backed by DEFRA or local councils. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the subject matter.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a project or team, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight how you ensured community engagement and collaboration with partners.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific scenarios related to flood management and community engagement. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and prepare your responses. This will help you showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their current projects, future plans for flood resilience, or how they measure success in their initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.