Overview

Would 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 a Sustainable Drainage Team Leader to join the team.

About us

Buckinghamshire 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 council’s 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 Directorate’s key priorities include:

  • Developing the economic narrative for Bucks

  • Creating more jobs

  • Delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive

  • Providing a proactive planning service that is responsive

  • Making the best use of the council’s land and property portfolio to support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income for public services

The Flood Risk Management Team (managed by the Climate Change and Flood Risk Manager) manages flood risk in Buckinghamshire Council’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

The Team is comprised of:

  • Strategic Flood Management Team

  • Sustainable Drainage Team

  • Project Groundwater

  • Capital Flood Programme

The team delivers the statutory duties of the LLFA under the Flood and Water Management Act (2010) and Land Drainage Act (1991), develops and delivers flood management and research projects, and guides the flood management approach on large infrastructure projects.

The Sustainable Drainage Team mitigates, as far as practicable, negative flood risk impacts arising from new developments. This includes:

  • Responding to consultations on new developments

  • Imposing planning conditions

  • Providing pre-planning application advice

  • Helping shape sustainable drainage planning policy

It’s a great time to join our team. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function, you will not only help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire, but also deliver high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK.


About the role

This role will require you to:

  • Lead engagement with planning officers, developers, drainage consultants and other Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) to ensure sustainable management of surface water runoff

  • Lead the team in shaping how sustainable drainage is promoted across the county through guidance documents and projects

  • Contribute to other flood risk management activities where appropriate

  • Co-ordinate the team’s response to the emerging evidence base supporting the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire

  • Support the development of planning policy around flood risk and drainage

  • Work with the Climate Change and Flood Risk Manager and Heads of Service to support business planning and delivery of strategies

Any-Desk working

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources. This can 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 role and team requirements.

About you

You will need:

  • Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (essential)

  • Advanced technical skills in Sustainable Drainage Systems, including for strategic sites

  • Experience of leading and supporting others within Sustainable Drainage statutory roles

  • Experience and understanding of appeals, hearings, and inquiries in the planning arena

  • Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the Lead Local Flood Authority

  • Ability to manage and prioritise own workload and manage others to meet deadlines

  • Experience of leading stakeholder relationships and representing the service internally and externally

  • Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and presentation skills

  • Ability to provide authoritative specialist advice under pressure


Other information

  • This is a full-time, maternity cover, FTC/Secondment up to and including 19th December 2025.

    Closing date: 21st September 2025

    Interview: 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 (alexander.beckett@buckinghamshire.gov.uk; 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 convictions

    For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

    We reserve the right to interview and appoint to the position before the application deadline so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

    Our values and culture

    We 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 culture
    • the chance to really make a difference to those around you
    • health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
    • a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
    • ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
    • opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

    At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re 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, it’s 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 Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability Directorate works with partners to help shape Buckinghamshire’s future. We deliver services in:

  • Planning

  • Economic growth

  • Regeneration

  • Strategic infrastructure

  • Transport

  • Property

Our priorities:

  • Developing the economic narrative for Bucks

  • Creating jobs

  • Delivering infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive

  • Providing a responsive planning service

  • Making best use of council land and property to support services and regeneration

It’s a great time to join one of our teams. You’ll shape Buckinghamshire’s economic future, deliver high-profile development projects, and work on some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects.


We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserve recognition. That’s why we offer:

  • Flexible and agile working arrangements

  • Discounts on cafés, restaurants, and shops

  • Auto-enrolment into our generous Pension Scheme

  • Costco membership

  • Discounted gym memberships

  • Travel discounts with Arriva

  • And much more