Drought Resilience Manager

Bristol or Exeter / Regulations and Environment / Permanent full-time

Drought Resilience Manager

Supporting the lives of people and places they love for generations to come is our purpose and providing water services to our communities in the most efficient and sustainable way possible is what we do. Our commitment is to always deliver available and sufficient resources, this is what drives the Drought and Resilience Team and in doing so we want to ensure that we enhance our reputation with our customers, regulators and stakeholders. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

We currently have an opportunity for a Drought Resilience Manager to join our Water Resources team to develop, implement and oversee drought preparedness and response strategies, covering the South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and Isles of Scilly regions. You will receive a competitive salary of circa £48,000 to £52,000 plus an excellent benefits package.

The Role

The water resource strategic planning team is responsible for creating the Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP), Water Company Drought Plan (WCDP) and supporting the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) investigation delivery. They will be the guiding mind for our 50 year strategy and help to shape the investment cases for long term water resource options for the operating regions.

As Drought Resilience Manager you will take a lead role on the development and perpetual review of the Drought Management Plan. You will take a leading role in coordinating drought response efforts and engage stakeholders to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of water scarcity.

You will be a dynamic and motivated leader in the field of water resource strategy, able to articulate a clear vision with excellent analytical and influencing skills. You will be confident at engaging at all levels with key internal and external stakeholders and partners. You will play a pivotal role in transforming our approach to water resource management and ensure the resilience of our organization in the face of drought events.

What you'll be doing:

Lead the development and implementation of drought management plans tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the South West region, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Conduct comprehensive assessments of drought risks and vulnerabilities, scoping and overseeing delivery (via the Modelling Data and Systems team) data analysis and modelling, and bringing your expert input to identify potential impacts and inform proactive mitigation strategies.

Undertake half-yearly drought readiness reviews, updating the WCDP with resulting findings and assess short and long term drought prospects, updating the WCDP accordingly.

Utilise advanced data analysis techniques and hydrological models to forecast drought conditions, anticipate impacts, and inform decision-making processes.

Proactively engage with regulators and internal stakeholders to build confidence in our drought readiness status.

Providing oversight of improvement plans relating to drought readiness – monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of drought management strategies and response actions, gathering feedback, analysing outcomes, and making recommendations for continuous improvement.

Coordinate the activation of drought response plans, oversee the deployment of resources, and facilitate communication and coordination among response teams and external partners during drought events.

Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and research findings in the field of drought management, seeking opportunities to integrate innovative solutions and best practices into organizational strategies and initiatives.

What we are looking for:

Proven leadership capabilities in strategic water resource planning and regulatory frameworks and track record in developing and implementing effective drought management plans, coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, and driving innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity.

Scientific/ Environmental/ Hydrology/ related Degree

Knowledge of drought-related policies, regulations, and best practices and awareness of social and equity considerations in water resources management

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to make informed decisions based on data and evidence.

Capable of thriving in dynamic and challenging environments, with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication abilities, both verbal and written. Skilled in developing robust external relationships with regulators and stakeholders.

What's in it for you:

This isn’t just a job, this is a career; the opportunities to develop and grow your career with us are endless. Alongside ongoing training and development opportunities we offer some great benefits:

26 days holiday allowance rising to 30 days plus bank holidays

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional progression routes

Generous contributory pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

Share save scheme

Subsidised healthcare benefits

Plus, many more!

Closing Date: 15th October 2024

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

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Can’t find what you’re looking for?

We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you have any questions about the opportunities that we have available, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or indeed during the application process), please don't hesitate to send your details to our Talent Acquisition Team.

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