Location: Aylesbury
Overview
Would you like to lead a dynamic team that ensures that new developments throughout Buckinghamshire are designed to account for and manage surface water flood risk? We have a great opportunity for a Sustainable Drainage Team Leader to join the team.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
The council’s Planning, Growth and Sustainability Directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. It delivers planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property management services. The Directorate’s key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. It also aims to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.
The Flood Risk Management Team (managed by the Climate Change and Flood Risk Manager) manages flood risk in Buckinghamshire Council’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). The Team is comprised of the Strategic Flood Management Team, the Sustainable Drainage Team, Project Groundwater and the Capital Flood Programme; with officers that are enthusiastic and passionate about managing local flood risk.
The Flood Risk Management Team delivers the statutory duties of the LLFA under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and Land Drainage Act (1991), development and delivery of a number of flood management and research projects, and guiding the flood management approach on large infrastructure projects.
The Sustainable Drainage Team is responsible for mitigating, as far as practicable, negative flood risk impacts arising from new developments. This is achieved through responses to consultations on new developments, imposing planning conditions, providing pre planning application advice, and helping shape sustainable drainage planning policy.
It’s a great time to join our team. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.
About the role
This role will require you to lead the engagement with planning officers, developers and their drainage consultants and as well as other Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) to ensure a sustainable approach to managing surface water runoff.
The successful candidate will lead the team in shaping how sustainable drainage is promoted across the county through the delivery guidance documents and projects. There will also be the opportunity to work on other flood risk management activities where appropriate.
You will take the lead role in co-ordinating the teams response to the emerging evidence base to support the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire, and supporting the development of planning policy around flood risk and drainage.
Working with the Climate Change and Flood Risk Manager and Heads of service to support business planning and delivery of the team and service strategies will be part of the role.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
1. Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline is essential.
2. Has relevant advanced technical skills in Sustainable Drainage Systems including for strategic sites
3. Has experience of leading and supporting others to deliver their roles within Sustainable Drainage statutory role
4. Has experience and understanding of appeals, hearing and inquiries in the planning arena
5. Has knowledge of roles and responsibilities of the Lead Local Flood Authority
6. Ability to manage and prioritise own workload and manage others to meet deadlines
7. Has experience of taking a lead in building and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders, and an ability to represent professional service area both internally and externally
8. Strong analytical, negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
9. Able to provide authoritative specialist advice under pressure