Water Resources Section Head

Water Resources Section Head

An experienced water resources professional is sought to lead a specialist section responsible for the planning, management and delivery of strategic water resources activities. This is an influential role for an individual who can combine technical expertise with effective leadership, stakeholder engagement and sound commercial judgement.

You will provide direction across water availability, demand forecasting, drought and resilience planning, abstraction management, catchment assessments and related regulatory programmes. Working closely with internal teams, regulators, local authorities, customers and external partners, you will ensure that projects and services are delivered to a high standard, within agreed timescales and in line with relevant legislation and environmental objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary water resources team, promoting collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Set priorities, manage workloads and allocate resources to support successful delivery of programmes and technical commissions.
• Oversee the preparation of strategic assessments, technical reports, business cases, investment plans and regulatory submissions.
• Provide authoritative advice on water resources risks, opportunities, options appraisal and long-term planning.
• Manage budgets, procurement activity, consultant relationships and contract performance where required.
• Represent the section at senior forums, partnership meetings, consultations and industry events.
• Champion evidence-based decision-making, data quality, innovation and effective risk management.

About you

You will be educated to degree level, or hold equivalent professional experience, in water resources, hydrology, environmental science, civil engineering or a related discipline. A recognised professional qualification or membership of an appropriate professional body would be advantageous.

You should have substantial experience in water resources planning or management, including knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks, environmental considerations and technical modelling or assessment approaches. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to explain complex issues clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

The successful candidate will be organised, pragmatic and confident in making well-reasoned decisions. In return, the role offers the opportunity to shape long-term water resilience, influence important investment and environmental outcomes, and lead a capable team through a varied and rewarding programme of work.