Project Lead

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., + 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.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Project Lead to join Cumberland Council's Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) team., 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.

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.