Principal Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Officer

Principal Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Officer

• Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Salary: Grade J, SCP 36 - 39, £47,181 to £50,269 per annum (pay award pending)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Hours: 36 hours per week.
• DBS Check: No
• Closing Date: 07/09/2026 at 23:59
• Reference: HPP/26/342610

About the Role

This is a senior professional role within Sefton Council's Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Team. Working closely with the FCERM Manager, the postholder will help lead the delivery of the Council's approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risk across one of the country's most environmentally significant coastal boroughs. The role combines strategic planning, project delivery, partnership working and service management to help protect communities, infrastructure and the natural environment.

The FCERM Team takes a long-term approach to understanding and managing flood and coastal erosion risk, developing strategies, policies and projects that improve resilience and support sustainable communities. The team also hosts the North West Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to work of regional and national significance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the delivery of the Council's Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management service, strategies and policies.
• Helping to ensure the Council fulfils its responsibilities as a Lead Local Flood Authority and Coast Protection Authority.
• Supporting the delivery of flood and coastal projects, programmes and asset management activities.
• Providing technical advice and guidance to officers, elected members, partners and communities.
• Assisting with budget management, funding applications and procurement activities.
• Working collaboratively with local, regional and national partners to develop and deliver innovative solutions.
• Supporting the leadership and development of a skilled and motivated FCERM team.

This role would suit an experienced flood and coastal risk management professional who can combine technical expertise with strong communication and partnership skills. You will be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, influencing decision-making and helping to deliver positive outcomes for people, place and the environment.

Please see Appendix A for a full copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for this vacancy is Monday, 7th September 2026 (or earlier in the event of high volume of applications being received).

Provisional interview dates are Thursday, 24 th September and Friday, 25 th September

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential.

We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.