About the role
SERT is expanding its Natural Flood Management (NFM) capacity and seeks an experienced, proactive leader to drive this growth.
This role is ideal for an NFM specialist who will shape an emerging delivery area, build on existing foundations, and position the organisation to maximise impact in the coming years.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Help to establish and enhance a ‘one-team’ ethos across the NFM Specialism, whilst also ensuring it is delivering Catchment priorities.
* Direct line management of a Project Officer and matrix management of two other NFM-based roles across the organisation (this may increase in the future).
* Develop and deliver a strategic approach to NFM targeting activity across multiple scales (from national to sub‑catchment level) to maximise impact.
* Identify and directly support new business development and project funding opportunities from a range of sources to grow our impact.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including catchment partners, local authorities, regulators, businesses, water companies, land managers and other environmental organisations.
What We Are Looking For
The role of natural solutions in improving river resilience and reducing flooding is gaining traction. SERT seeks a candidate who can grow this opportunity by developing a strategic NFM approach and securing funding and partnerships to deliver it.
About You
Beyond a passion for NFM, you must confidently develop, grow and lead a team, while seeking new impact opportunities. You will be adept at business development and comfortable supporting strategic relationships with catchment partners, local government, regulators, water companies, local businesses and environmental organisations. You will have a good overview of Health and Safety best practice, enabling our Restoring Rivers and Catchments team to undertake effective project delivery and risk management in the field.
Why work with us?
You’ll be joining a supportive, values‑led organisation where your work really matters. We offer flexible hybrid working, opportunities to build experience, and the chance to be part of a team making a positive environmental impact.
Site locations
The SERT region covers the south east of England, extending from Hampshire in the west to Kent in the east, with the northern border south of the Thames, extending down to the English Channel.
Our office is based in Leatherhead, which you will be required to attend up to four times a month.
The amount of travel required depends on the role and can be extensive. Most travel will be to project sites, which can be remote, or to attend external meetings within the SERT region. The geographical range and frequency of travel is role dependent.
To support travel costs, SERT pays mileage at the current HMRC amount for travel within the SERT region. SERT does not pay mileage, time or any other costs for travel outside the SERT region, nor for any commutes to the office. Toll charges cannot be claimed.
Interested?
Apply now for the Specialist Lead – Natural Flood Management position.
Application process
* Closing date for applications: 28th June 2026 11.59pm
* In person interviews (at our Leatherhead office): Thursday 9th July 2026
* We reserve the right to close this job advert early
For further information on the application process see our FAQ’s.
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