Service Manager - Somerset Rivers Authority

Salary: Grade 7, £55,101 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent role

Closing date: 6th September 2026

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and help shape the future of flood resilience across Somerset. Working with a wide range of partners, you’ll play a key role in protecting communities, supporting local businesses and enhancing the natural environment.

About the Role

As Service Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for the Somerset Rivers Authority, overseeing the development and delivery of flood risk and resilience programmes across the county. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, elected members and partner organisations to drive long-term improvements, manage significant funding programmes and support the future growth of the SRA.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead the strategic direction and ongoing development of the Somerset Rivers Authority.
• Oversee delivery of major flood resilience, environmental and community protection programmes.
• Manage significant funding, budgets and grant programmes to ensure value for money and positive outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, government bodies, environmental organisations and community groups.
• Provide expert advice to boards, elected members and partners on governance, strategy and policy matters.
• Lead service improvement, performance management and organisational change initiatives.

What You'll Bring

• Experience leading strategic services, programmes or projects within a complex public sector, environmental or partnership environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior levels.
• Experience managing budgets, commissioning activity, grant funding and performance frameworks.
• Knowledge of flood risk management, environmental management or a related specialist field.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills, including working in politically sensitive environments.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 33 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to help you achieve a positive work-life balance, including the option to work compressed hours.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact James Divall, Head of Climate & Natural Environment, on james.divall@somerset.gov.uk or 01935 462261

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here:  Service Manager - Somerset Rivers Authority - Job Description - NOM0346 - 1291AB.pdf 

*If you currently work for Somerset Council, please apply via the internal SuccessFactors careers page.*