Location
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Town Hall, Hornton Street

Hours
Hybrid working arrangement with 2-3 days per week based in the Borough

Salary
£54,828 per year

About the Role
Protect local communities from flood risk and shape a safer, more resilient environment across Kensington and Chelsea. As the Principal Flood and Water Management Officer, you will lead the local flood risk strategy and deliver innovative water management projects with real community impact. This role combines technical expertise with local leadership to safeguard homes, businesses, and iconic London locations.

Your responsibilities include managing the Council’s statutory duties as a Lead Local Flood Authority under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, reviewing major planning applications, and providing clear, technically robust drainage advice to ensure effective surface water and flood risk management in new developments. You will maintain and update planning policies, local flood risk management strategies, and flood hazard mapping to keep the policy framework robust and forward-looking.

Beyond policy and planning, you will oversee and progress strategic flood mitigation schemes across the borough, delivering innovative flood resilience solutions such as those along Portobello Road and contributing to high-profile initiatives like the Natural History Museum Gardens. Building strong, collaborative relationships with external consultants, Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and internal council teams is essential.

Engaging directly with residents and local communities affected by flooding is central to your role. You will ensure solutions are practical, transparent, and grounded in genuine resident experience, providing confidence that homes and neighbourhoods are protected.

This position offers a high degree of autonomy, allowing you to shape priorities, direct well-resourced initiatives, and see the direct impact of your decisions. You will lead nationally recognised, high-profile projects in iconic London locations, supported by a collaborative and practical team environment. Continuous professional development, flexible hybrid working, and a supportive culture are key benefits of this role.

Experience
Substantial experience at a principal or senior level within local government or private consultancy, with a thorough understanding of Lead Local Flood Authority duties, planning policy, and surface water management. Skilled in evaluating site-specific flood risk assessments, managing complex procurement processes, and securing grant funding from government bodies and partners such as Thames Water.

About you
Exceptionally well-organised and able to balance a high volume of work while keeping complex projects moving forward. Excellent communicator with the ability to translate technical information into clear advice. Strong collaborator across departments with empathy, resilience, and a genuine commitment to working alongside local residents to build long-term flood resilience.

Qualifications
A degree in planning, engineering, environmental science, or a related discipline. Membership or chartered status with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), or an equivalent professional body.