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- Tasks: Lead coastal strategies and manage high-impact projects to protect communities from erosion.
- Company: Join Westmorland & Furness Council, dedicated to sustainable coastal management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, enhanced leave, and exclusive perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in coastal resilience while shaping community futures.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in coastal science, funding bids, and stakeholder engagement required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful community work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking a Coastal Erosion Risk Lead Officer to drive our coastal strategy and turn evidence into action. Sitting within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Service, you will lead the early stages of high-impact, politically sensitive coastal schemes and set the direction for delivery in line with the Shoreline Management Plan and the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. You will provide expert advice, coordinate pre-capital activities, shape funding bids (including Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid), and lead multi-agency engagement so that well-prepared schemes transfer smoothly into the capital programme. The role combines technical leadership on coastal processes with strong programme, stakeholder, and governance skills.
What you’ll do:
- Lead development and review of local coastal strategies and policies aligned to the Shoreline Management Plan and national FCERM strategy.
- Identify and assess coastal risks (including climate impacts), develop adaptive/resilience options, and recommend priorities for investment.
- Prepare and quality-assure pre-capital products: early risk assessments, options appraisal, business case inputs, and approvals.
- Coordinate handover of well-prepared schemes into the capital programme with the Lead Officer and delivery partners.
- Lead stakeholder engagement: public consultations, community resilience initiatives, task groups, and technical partnerships.
- Represent the Council in regional/national coastal forums, ensuring local priorities influence policy and funding.
- Oversee inspections and records for flood and coastal assets; advise on maintenance and intervention planning.
- Secure regulatory compliance (e.g. Coastal Protection Act 1949), working with the Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation, and Natural England to obtain necessary consents.
- Develop funding bids (e.g. FDGiA, regional resilience funds), maximising value and alignment with criteria.
- Monitor and interpret coastal data (erosion trends, sea level change) to inform reports, briefings, and engagement materials.
- Provide timely advice to senior managers, elected Members, and the public; supervise and mentor staff and manage small operational budgets.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for a strategic, technically capable leader who can translate complex coastal science and policy into deliverable projects that protect communities and assets. You will bring a strong understanding of coastal processes, erosion and flood risk, and the ability to operate confidently in politically sensitive environments. Skilled at building relationships, you will be comfortable working with regulators, elected Members, contractors, and communities to find practical, consensus-based solutions. You will have experience of leading multi-disciplinary work, preparing funding bids, and navigating statutory consent processes. Above all, you will combine technical expertise with clear communication, sound judgement, and a commitment to delivering resilient, sustainable outcomes for our coastline.
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? For more information or to discuss the role further, please contact Matthew Waning (FCRM Lead Officer) on Matthew.Waning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Coastal Erosion Risk Lead in Kendal employer: Westmorland And Furness Council
Contact Detail:
Westmorland And Furness Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Coastal Erosion Risk Lead in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the coastal management field. Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your knowledge of coastal processes and risk management. Share examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that align with your skills and interests. Tailor your approach for each application, showing how you can contribute to their coastal strategy and community resilience initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit for leading their coastal erosion risk efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace Coastal Erosion Risk Lead in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with coastal processes and flood risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Coastal Erosion Risk Lead, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading multi-disciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders. We recommend you include examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in the past, especially in politically sensitive environments. Let us know how you can bring people together!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for coastal management shines through without overwhelming us with too much detail.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our council there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westmorland And Furness Council
✨Know Your Coastal Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of coastal processes and erosion risks. Be ready to discuss how these factors influence the strategies you'll be implementing. Showing that you can translate complex science into actionable plans will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's public consultations or working with regulatory bodies, being able to showcase your relationship-building skills will highlight your fit for this politically sensitive role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Funding Bids
Since you'll be involved in shaping funding bids, come prepared to talk about your experience with this process. Share specific examples of successful bids you've worked on and how you maximised value and alignment with funding criteria.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills, so be ready to discuss your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Highlight any projects where you’ve had to coordinate efforts across different groups, ensuring everyone is aligned towards a common goal.
