At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative river restoration projects and shape environmental strategies across Yorkshire.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a key player in protecting the environment and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, generous leave, and wellness days.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on river health and biodiversity while working with passionate partners.
- Qualifications: Experience in river restoration and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42973 - 53717 € per year.
Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£42,973 - £53,717)
- A company car
- Annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year)
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
- Development opportunities in line with the River Restoration Lead progression plan
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra 2 wellness days!
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
- A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: West Yorkshire / Hybrid Working (1-2 days in the office a week). This role will initially be based in Bradford but we’re moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future.
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
We have an exciting opportunity for a River Restoration Lead to join the River Resilience Team at Yorkshire Water, part of the Company’s wider Environment Team.
What we do
Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The River Resilience Team is a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.
We’re looking for an experienced River Restoration Lead to provide strategic and technical leadership across Yorkshire Water’s river restoration programme. As a relatively new area of focus for the business, this role will shape and influence the Company’s strategy and ambition on restoration activity across multiple catchments and ultimately the region, working with regulators, partners and the wider business.
You’ll sit at the heart of our River Resilience Team, leading the technical vision for river restoration and helping translate long term environmental strategy into delivery on the ground through working with specialist contractors, rivers trusts and other eNGOs. Through strong partnership working and evidence based decision making, you’ll help secure meaningful, lasting improvements to river health, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Responsibilities
- Lead the technical vision for river restoration across Yorkshire, shaping innovative approaches, standards, and long-term priorities
- Take ownership of complex restoration projects, guiding their design, delivery, and monitoring to ensure outstanding, nature-led outcomes
- Influence and collaborate with partners, regulators, and stakeholders to drive meaningful, shared environmental benefits
- Spot and develop new restoration opportunities, helping to secure investment and bring ambitious projects to life
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement, embedding best practice and building capability across the team
- Act as the trusted technical authority, working closely with consultants, contractors, and environmental partners to deliver high-quality results
- Drive the quality and effectiveness of the WINEP river restoration programme
- Shape how partnership-led delivery is designed, governed, and scaled
- Contribute to long-term river resilience, biodiversity gain, and climate adaptation across the region
Qualifications
River Restoration Lead employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, a strong pension scheme, and various health-related perks. With a commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, particularly in the River Resilience Team, staff have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on environmental restoration while enjoying a hybrid working model in the vibrant region of West Yorkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land River Restoration Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their river restoration initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the River Restoration Lead role. Highlight your technical expertise and leadership skills, and don’t forget to share examples of successful projects you've led in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Yorkshire Water and contributing to our river resilience efforts.
We think you need these skills to ace River Restoration Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the River Restoration Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission at Yorkshire Water. We want to see how you can contribute to our river restoration programme!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for river restoration and environmental sustainability shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community and the environment, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the River Restoration Lead position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Know Your Rivers
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of river restoration techniques and the specific challenges faced in Yorkshire. Familiarise yourself with recent projects and legislation that impact the water industry, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a River Restoration Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led projects or teams, particularly in environmental contexts. Highlight how you influenced stakeholders and drove collaboration.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to river restoration and environmental strategies. Review key concepts and be ready to discuss how you would approach complex restoration projects. This is your chance to showcase your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the company's river resilience strategy and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
