Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 jason.harte@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in flood risk management and related fields. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the latest trends in flood management and climate resilience. Show us you’re passionate about the role by discussing innovative solutions and how they can benefit Westmorland and Furness. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience with engineering projects and community engagement. We want to hear how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Westmorland and Furness Council. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Officer Flood and Development Management
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, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for climate resilience and community-centred delivery shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but genuinely excited about making a difference in flood and coastal risk management.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 making a difference.
✨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 involvement and collaboration with partners.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to engineering principles and flood risk management strategies. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you would approach specific challenges in flood alleviation projects. This is your chance to shine as an expert!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the council's future projects, community engagement strategies, or how they measure the success of their flood management initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.