Cumberland Council
Project Lead - Flood and Coastal Risk Management - CMB2597e
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Job Title: Project Lead – Flood and Coastal Risk Management
Salary: £47,181 to £48,226
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Carlisle
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Project Lead to join Cumberland Council’s Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) team.
This is a key role within the team, leading the development and delivery of multi-million-pound flood and coastal risk management projects that help protect communities, businesses, infrastructure and the environment across Cumberland. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering the Council’s flood and coastal works programme, whilst also supporting the team’s statutory responsibilities as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and Coast Protection Authority (CPA).
As Project Lead, you will be responsible for managing projects throughout their entire lifecycle - from initial feasibility and business case development, through to procurement, design, construction, and commissioning. You will lead multidisciplinary project teams, manage consultants and contractors, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, within budget, and to the highest professional standards.
The role will also require you to lead on engagement with a wide range of stakeholders including residents, elected members, government agencies, partner organisations, local businesses, funding bodies, and regulatory authorities. You will ensure effective communication and consultation throughout project development and delivery, helping to secure positive outcomes for communities and stakeholders alike.
You will ensure compliance with statutory requirements, internal governance, and grant funding conditions, as well as provide leadership in project and programme management, risk management and continuous improvement. The post also includes supporting LLFA and CPA functions, including flood investigations, site visits, and Section 19 reporting where required.
The Project Lead will actively contribute to the development of the wider FCRM team through mentoring and supporting colleagues, sharing project management expertise, and promoting a culture of high-quality project delivery.
This role is available on a permanent basis.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for an experienced project professional with a strong track record in leading the successful delivery of major capital projects within the flood and coastal risk management sector. You will ideally be from a coastal, flooding, or civil engineering background and hold a relevant degree in an appropriate discipline; or equivalent demonstrable experience.
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You will be able to demonstrate experience of managing public-facing projects and programmes that attract interest from local communities, elected members and the media, together with experience of managing contracts for design or technical services and capital works.
Highly self-motivated and capable of working independently, you will have:
- Significant experience of delivering complex public-sector capital-funded projects.
- Strong knowledge of the mechanisms that drive flooding and coastal erosion processes, as well as the mitigation measures and funding routes available.
- Specific experience of delivering Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects would be beneficial.
- Strong project planning, programming, and risk and commercial management skills. Familiarity with, or a qualification in a recognised project management framework or methodology such as APM or PRINCE2 would be desirable.
- Knowledge of public sector financial and procurement processes and relevant procurement legislation.
- Significant experience procuring and managing consultants, contractors and professional service providers, as well as working collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, NEC contracts, and ability to use AutoCAD and GIS software would be beneficial.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present technical and non-technical information clearly and effectively to a range of audiences. You will also be comfortable chairing and presenting at meetings – including within a public setting.
Due to the requirement to attend project sites and external meetings, a valid driving licence is essential for this role.
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
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For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Andrew Harrison by email at andrew.harrison@cumbria.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.
Closing date: 22/07/2026
Interview date: 29/07/2026 (to be confirmed)
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates invited to interview and, if any adjustments are required, we will be pleased to discuss these with you.
In-person interviews will be held in Carlisle. If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using Microsoft Teams.
If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
- Our Staff Benefits
- Candidate Support
- About Cumberland Council
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