Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead

Closing date: 17 June 2026

Salary: Grade 9, ranging from £41,771 to £46,142 per annum

Ready to lead how Somerset responds to flood and coastal challenges in a changing climate? As our Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead, you’ll drive a wide-ranging portfolio of work, from complex flood investigations and drainage programmes to large-scale partnership initiatives that deliver real, visible benefits across the county.

This is a role with genuine impact - shaping how we respond to climate challenges, influencing strategic investment, and securing funding for innovative flood resilience projects. Working with a wide network of partners, including the Environment Agency, water companies and local stakeholders, you’ll be at the heart of collaborative solutions that make a difference where it matters most. 

At Somerset Council, you’ll join a forward-thinking, community-focused organisation committed to environmental sustainability, giving you the opportunity to lead meaningful work while helping to build a more resilient future for Somerset.

Role Summary:

As our Principal Flood and Coastal Compliance & Partnerships Lead, you’ll lead the delivery of flood risk and coastal management activities, ensuring the Council meets its statutory responsibilities as a Lead Local Flood Authority and Coastal Protection Authority. You’ll oversee key programmes, partnerships and assets that reduce flood risk while supporting sustainable growth, playing a vital role in strengthening Somerset’s resilience.

What you'll do - Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage a specialist flood and coastal team, providing direction, support and performance oversight to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Oversee the delivery of complex flood risk, drainage and coastal management projects, ensuring they meet statutory requirements, deadlines and budget constraints.
• Develop, coordinate and deliver drainage asset programmes, including the management of works, consultants and contractors.
• Drive partnership working with key stakeholders such as the Environment Agency, water companies and internal drainage boards to deliver joined-up flood risk solutions.
• Lead flood investigations and use data, intelligence and analysis to inform evidence-based decision-making and long-term strategies.
• Manage project and partnership budgets, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money across programmes.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support flood and coastal resilience initiatives.
• Provide expert technical advice and represent the Council at meetings with senior stakeholders, elected members and external partners.
• Support emergency response arrangements and provide specialist flood risk advice during incidents where required.
• Contribute to the strategic development and continuous improvement of the Flood & Coastal service, supporting wider organisational objectives.

What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of flood risk management principles, relevant legislation (including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010), and associated policy, guidance and best practice.
• Strong understanding of the roles, responsibilities and collaborative funding mechanisms of water companies, Lead Local Flood Authorities and the Environment Agency.
• Ability to lead, develop and motivate teams, including experience of managing initiatives, resources and staff to deliver defined objectives in a challenging environment.
• Experience in a flood risk management or related specialist area, including handling flood risk issues and producing policy documents, reports and recommendations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to apply technical judgement and analyse information to reach sound conclusions.
• Experience of working effectively with key stakeholders, partners and the public, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or contentious information to varied audiences such as councillors and the public.
• Strong IT skills, including experience using systems such as GIS.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Engineering, Hydrology, Geography or Environmental Management.
• Ability to develop policies and procedures in line with legal and regulatory requirements, and take ownership of tasks to deliver effective outcomes.

Desirable

• Chartered Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIWEM or ICE).
• Experience of managing multi-site technical teams in a complex or changing environment.

Additional Information: 

• Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week).
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays).
• This role offers flexible hybrid working, allowing you to work from home or from one of our offices.
• Career development opportunities.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Neil Ogilvie, Service Manager – Flood and Coastal Management on 01823 355533 or neil.ogilvie@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request via recruitment@somerset.gov.uk