Sustainable Drainage Team Leader

About the role

Buckinghamshire Council is recruiting a Sustainable Drainage Team Leader to lead its Sustainable Drainage Team and oversee the Lead Local Flood Authority's role within the planning process. The postholder manages a team of specialist officers and gives technical leadership on surface water drainage and flood risk for major and non-major developments, strategic growth sites and nationally significant infrastructure projects. The role is based in Aylesbury, is full time and permanent, and is advertised as an 'any-desk' position with occasional office attendance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Sustainable Drainage team, including performance reviews, recruitment, induction and development, and coordinate work allocation and quality records.
• Oversee complex work programmes and technical assessments on surface water flood risk and sustainable drainage for major, non-major and infrastructure projects.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to customers, stakeholders and Development Management services, and manage escalated complaints and disputes.
• Contribute to Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and the emerging Buckinghamshire Local Plan, and work with planning officers, developers, consultants and other Risk Management Authorities.
• Build relationships with the Local Planning Authority and other authorities such as the Environment Agency and water companies, and represent the Council as an expert witness at public inquiries and other forums.

Required profile

• Degree or equivalent in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Flood Risk Management or a related subject.
• Significant experience in a Lead Local Flood Authority, local planning authority, consultancy, Environment Agency, water company or similar.
• Experience leading, managing or mentoring technical staff.
• Experience on major development proposals and strategic sites, and contributing to planning policy or strategic flood risk work.
• Professional membership of CIWEM, ICE or a similar body is advantageous.

Required skills

• Extensive knowledge of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), surface water management and flood risk legislation, policy and best practice.
• Strong understanding of the planning system and the role of the Lead Local Flood Authority.
• Ability to manage competing priorities within statutory timescales, and strong analytical, communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

What we offer

• Salary of £51,081 to £53,571 (Grade 8).
• Flexible working arrangements and a fair, inclusive culture.
• Health and well-being initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders.
• Employee Representative Group, staff networks and career development opportunities.
• Discounts on cafés, restaurants and shops, pension auto-enrolment, gym memberships and travel discounts.