Flood Risk Programme Development Manager

Apply for the Flood Risk Programme Development Manager role at Luton Borough Council

Salary: £53,460 - £56,681 a year pro rata plus £3,203 car benefit allowance

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Fixed Term

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Flood Risk Programme Development Manager to play a leading role in shaping and delivering the council’s flood risk and sustainable drainage programme. This is a unique opportunity to lead on a portfolio of schemes that are critical to protecting our town from the increasing risks of climate change, ranging from flagship projects such as the Open Lea town centre scheme to the SuDS in Schools programme and a series of smaller but equally important developments.

In this role, you will act as the council’s lead professional within the climate change team, taking full responsibility for creating and delivering new flood risk management and sustainable drainage projects. You will manage schemes from the earliest stages of site identification and financial appraisal through to land acquisition, procurement, construction and successful handover. You will ensure that projects meet the highest standards of compliance, safety, governance and quality while remaining on time and within budget.

The role is central to driving forward projects of strategic importance and includes working closely with government agencies, water companies, developers and other risk management authorities. You will represent the council in regional and national forums, act as an ambassador for investment in flood risk management and help to attract development partners to support our wider vision for climate resilience and blue/green infrastructure improvements.

Alongside project delivery, you will line manage project officers and other staff, deputise for the Head of Climate Change where required, and contribute to the development of strategies, policies and procedures that will strengthen our long‑term approach to flood risk.

Please note: this position is available as a Fixed Term Contract for up to 3 years.

Please note: this role does not attract sponsorship.

We are looking for an experienced and confident professional with significant experience in developing and delivering flood risk and sustainable drainage projects, from inception through to completion. You will have a strong track record in programme management, including managing multiple projects simultaneously and overseeing capital budgets at scale.

Your technical knowledge of construction, drainage and flood risk mitigation, combined with an understanding of land acquisition, planning and procurement processes, will enable you to lead complex schemes effectively.

You will be an excellent communicator, able to build strong and positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from senior colleagues and elected members to partner agencies, developers and local communities. You will bring strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to secure consensus and commitment across diverse groups.

Well organised and highly resilient, you will be able to manage competing demands, maintain clear oversight of multiple projects and respond quickly to emerging challenges.

We are seeking someone with the vision to shape inclusive and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of our community, and the drive to ensure they are delivered to the highest standard. A relevant professional qualification in construction, the built environment or sustainability alongside evidence of continuing professional development will be expected. Above all, you will bring leadership, expertise and determination to a role that will make a tangible difference to the future resilience of our town.

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed, and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

We welcome applications from all…