Sustainable Drainage Team Leader - Buckinghamshire County Council

Sustainable Drainage Team LeaderFind out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered.Salary 49,354 - 51,759Location: AylesburyReference number BUC13974Contract type Fixed Term / SecondmentWorking hours Full TimeLevel of DBS check required Not applicableApplication deadline 21 Sep 2025Contact email [email protected] Information OverviewWould 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 aSustainable Drainage Team Leaderto join the team.About usBuckinghamshire 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 councils 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 Directorates 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 councils 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 Councils 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.Its 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; youll 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 roleThis 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, youll 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 youDegree or equivalent in a relevant discipline is essential.Has relevant advanced technical skills in Sustainable Drainage Systems including for strategic sitesHas experience of leading and supporting others to deliver their roles within Sustainable Drainage statutory roleHas experience and understanding of appeals, hearing and inquiries in the planning arenaHas knowledge of roles and responsibilities of the Lead Local Flood AuthorityAbility to manage and prioritise own workload and manage others to meet deadlinesHas 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 externallyStrong analytical, negotiation, communication and presentation skills.Able to provide authoritative specialist advice under pressureOther informationThis is a full-time, maternity cover, FTC/Secondment up to and including 19th December 2025.Closing date:21st September 2025Interview: In person at Walton Street Offices, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UA.For additional information or an informal conversation about this role, please contact Alexander Beckett (; 01296 382 495)This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictionsFor further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on theWe reserve the right to interview and appoint to the position before the application deadlineso please beadvised to submityour application as early as possible.Our values and cultureWe have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:a fair and inclusive culturethe chance to really make a difference to those around youhealth and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshopsa unified voice through our Employee Representative Groupongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with usopportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social eventsAt Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and thats why were working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, its important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.About the Business UnitOur Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Councils land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.Its a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; youll 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.We recognise and reward youHard work and success deserves recognition. Thats why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafs, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

Created: 2025-08-22