Location
Luton

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£53,460 per annum

About the Role
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 critical to protecting our town from the increasing risks of climate change, including flagship projects such as the Open Lea town centre scheme, 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 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 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 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
- 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% (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support for 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 clear career pathways
- Staff offers: discounts on MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants, and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

Experience
Significant experience in developing and delivering flood risk and sustainable drainage projects from inception through to completion. Proven track record in programme management, including managing multiple projects simultaneously and overseeing capital budgets at scale. Strong technical knowledge of construction, drainage, and flood risk mitigation, combined with an understanding of land acquisition, planning, and procurement processes.

About you
Experienced and confident professional with excellent communication skills, able to build strong and positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including senior colleagues, elected members, partner agencies, developers, and local communities. Strong negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to secure consensus and commitment across diverse groups. Well organised, highly resilient, able to manage competing demands, maintain clear oversight of multiple projects, and respond quickly to emerging challenges. Visionary with the drive to shape inclusive and sustainable solutions that meet community needs and ensure delivery to the highest standard.

Qualifications
A relevant professional qualification in construction, the built environment, or sustainability is expected, alongside evidence of continuing professional development. Leadership, expertise, and determination to make a tangible difference to the future resilience of the town are essential.