Flood Risk Programme Development Manager

Fixed Term / Secondment for up to 3 years

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.

About You

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.

About Us

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 sections of the community and are committed to developing a
workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough

Benefits

We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:

• From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023)
  and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support
  service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16
  still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We
  welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative
  working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and
  clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

To apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: 31 October 2025.