Kirklees Council is a Metropolitan Borough in West Yorkshire. The district includes the thriving University town of Huddersfield and stunning Pennine countryside. Diverse towns and villages range from Dewsbury at the edge of Leeds to Holmfirth at the edge of the Peak District. 

The Council is seeking an experienced and versatile Flood and Drainage Manager to lead a small team to deliver all aspects of the management of local flood risk.

Kirklees is the 3^rd largest metropolitan authority in terms of area with a 60/40 rural/urban split and a population of around 450,000. The topography of the area is varied and sources of flood risk range from main rivers, such as the river Calder, to historic drainage infrastructure associated with the textile mill heritage of the area. The Council is committed to providing communities with a safe environment and a sustainable and resilient local economy.

The postholder will manage a team which delivers all aspects of the Kirklees Local Flood Risk Management Strategy including:

• Delivery of the duties as Lead Local Flood Authority to manage local flood risk
• Supporting and advising the Planning Authority and Developers as Statutory Consultee for Surface Water Drainage
• Working with local communities to improve their understanding of local flood risk
• Developing a programme of flood risk studies and initiatives to manage local flood risk, funded from both council and national funding programmes
• Identifying and supporting initiatives to deliver natural flood management opportunities in the rural, upper catchments
• Discharging its responsibilities and powers under the Land Drainage Act

In addition, the team works closely with the Highways Department on the performance management of the highway drainage asset, identifying planned and reactive asset maintenance and priorities for asset improvement.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced candidate, preferably with a relevant professional qualification, with a proven track record of delivering varied programmes of work in a local authority environment. You will demonstrate and evidence a comprehensive understanding of the technical requirements for the post, team leadership skills, a proactive attitude and experience of extracting the most from limited resources.

The post offers an opportunity to shape and deliver programmes of work which will have a significant impact on the well-being of local communities and the economic vibrancy of the area.

If you would like more information on this job please contact: Tom Ghee, Flood Manager – 01484 221000 (please note that Tom is on leave until 17 June).

In order to be shortlisted for this job please demonstrate how you meet the Person Checklist as detailed on the attached Job Profile - this information needs to be inserted under the 'Relevant skills, experience and behaviours' section on the Application Form.

Interviews will take place between 8^th and 19^th July. Please advise in your application of your availability during this period