Flood and Climate Resilience Management - Operations Manager - REQ002633

Job Title: Flood & Climate Resilience Management – Operations Manager

Salary: DIR 45 £60,656 - £66,511

Hours: 37 per week – Full Time

Contract: Permanent

Location: Various council sites including city centre, Cross Green and Stourton as well as home working.

Could you make a difference to the future of our city?

The impacts of a changing climate are challenging for countries and cities across the world. The Flood & Climate Resilience Management (FCRM) team here in Leeds is doing innovative and important work to make Leeds a more climate resilient city. If you’re motivated to help protect Leeds from the impacts of climate change both now and in the future, we’d love for you to join us.

Following the completion of one of the largest and most innovative flood schemes in the country this year, we are seeking to recruit to a number of roles across our team, and we have opportunities at a range of grades and in different specialist areas. Although traditionally flood risk management is a civil engineering discipline, our FCRM team here in Leeds is looking for a diverse group of people that can bring skills and experience from a broad range of disciplines, such as (but not limited to) geography, project management, infrastructure operation and maintenance, data management, and environmental management.

To find out more about some of our ongoing and completed schemes visit: Have Your Say Today – Leeds City Council Flood Resilience – Commonplace

To watch videos on the impact of our schemes and what it’s like to work in the FCRM team visit: Leeds Flood and Climate Resilience Team Impacts and Projects

Leeds is a growing, vibrant and diverse city, and Leeds City Council is the second largest local authority in England, as well as being an inclusive, modern and flexible employer. We are also one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

To see our other roles please search for any keywords under Flood and Climate Resilience Management.

Please also note that we are conducting a coordinated recruitment campaign and may consider candidates for a number of roles.

About you

As an Operations Manager in Flood & Climate Resilience Management, you will bring to the role:

A demonstrable record of achievement in the field of flood risk and asset management that is relevant to the remit of the post.
Knowledge and experience of the latest developments in flood and climate resilience policies and practices, including the current framework and requirements for the operation and maintenance of flood alleviation schemes
Ability to oversee major flood risk incident planning, response and recovery
A degree or equivalent level qualification and experience relevant to the role

About the role

To lead and manage the operational and asset management function within the Flood & Climate Resilience Management. This includes the leadership and management of teams that deliver the Councils role as a Lead Local Flood Authority, including the management of flood asset and risk data, inspections and the operation and maintenance of flood risk assets.

Provide leadership and management that add value and support the delivery of the Council’s strategic objectives as set out in the Best City Ambition and drive innovation through strategic leadership and collaboration across West Yorkshire and wider regional and national forums where needed.

As an Operations Manager in Flood & Climate Resilience Management, you will be involved in:

Providing leadership on activities that work towards reducing the risk of flooding in Leeds by ensuring that all stages of the development, delivery, operation and maintenance of works and assets are properly utilised in the management of flood risk.
Leading the maintenance and development of Flood & Climate Resilience Management systems and Leeds’s Flood Risk Asset Register accurately, consistently and timely.
Leading the Councils Flood risk incident planning, response and recovery operations.
Acting as Senior User in overseeing the design and delivery flood alleviation projects procured from both for internal and external service providers
Deputise for the Head of Service/Chief Officer as required and represent the Authority as lead officer for matters within the remit of the post.
Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of your service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.

Membership of a relevant professional institution is a preferred but not an essential requirement.

A post graduate qualification in a relevant technical and/or management discipline is a desirable but not an essential requirement.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role, contact Jonathan Moxon – jonathan.moxon@leeds.gov.uk

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose To lead and manage the operational and asset management function within the Flood & Climate Resilience Management. This includes the leadership and management of teams that deliver the Councils role as a Lead Local Flood Authority, including the management of flood asset and risk data, inspections and the operation and maintenance of flood risk assets.

Responsibilities

To provide leadership on activities that work towards reducing the risk of flooding in Leeds by ensuring that all stages of the development, delivery, operation and maintenance of works and assets are properly utilised in the management of flood risk.
Lead the maintenance and development of Flood & Climate Resilience Management systems and Leeds’s Flood Risk Asset Register accurately, consistently and timely.
Lead the Councils Flood risk incident planning, response and recovery operations.
To be motivated to achieve Corporate Plan, Service Plan and Divisional Plan objectives.
Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of service delivery, and community engagement areas, focusing on equality of outcome.
To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues, development programmes, and knowing when to seek help and advice.
Contribute to the service’s overall ethos, work, and aims by working collaboratively with colleagues and attending relevant meetings and training as requested.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
Support the wider team in the management and supervision of junior members of staff and the supply chain.
To ensure the team delivers against its KPIs.
Provide a high-quality and cost-effective flood risk advisory service to support the growth agenda for the city.
Responsible for the development and delivery of the service plan and drive continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to cross Council projects.
Lead and manage the staff and workload of the operational aspects of the FCRM service area to ensure efficient, high quality service delivery.
Deputise for the Head of Service/Chief Officer as required and represent the Authority as lead officer for matters within the remit of the post.
Lead on the City Council’s contributions to the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy in liaison with the Environment Agency and local authority partners.
Prepare and present reports as required to senior officers, Council Boards, external committees and working groups.
Act as Senior User in overseeing the design and delivery flood alleviation projects procured from both for internal and external service providers.
Provide advice and guidance related to the work area and to other groups and bodies, particularly in terms of collaboration and liaison with Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee partners and such other arrangements the service may enter.
Oversee the provision of high-quality flood and climate resilience data and intelligence in support of Council services and evidencing the local flood and climate resilience policies and programmes.
Deal with queries from Elected Members, the public and the media, including presentations, briefings, interviews and reports as required.
Work co-operatively with other sections in the department and Council to effectively respond to cross cutting issues within the Council as defined by the Chief Officer, Highways and Transportation working in collaboration with other Chief Officers.
Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of your service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
Within the service area to take responsibility for maintaining effective communications with staff, service users, councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders in accordance with Council policies and best practice.
To be accountable for the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with the Departmental Health and Safety Policy.
In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations.
Review and monitor the performance of services, systems, budget, teams and individuals against standards and agreed outcomes in a cost effective and flexible way that is responsive to a dynamic local, political and national context
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.

Qualifications

A degree or equivalent level qualification and experience relevant to the role is an essential requirement.

Membership of a relevant professional institution is a preferred but not an essential requirement.

A post graduate qualification in a relevant technical and/or management discipline is a desirable but not an essential requirement.

Working Context- Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

A demonstrable record of achievement in the field of flood risk and asset management that is relevant to the remit of the post.
Knowledge and experience of the latest developments in flood and climate resilience policies and practices, including the current framework and requirements for the operation and maintenance of flood alleviation schemes.
Ability to interpret corporate visions and values and put into practice flood and climate resilience strategies and initiatives through agreed policies and strategies.
Knowledge and understanding of the flood, climate, civil contingencies and asset management legislation and regulations related to the duties of the post.
Ability to find innovative solutions to complex flood and climate resilience problems.
Ability to oversee major flood risk incident planning, response and recovery.
Able to demonstrate examples of managing services and achieving quality transformational outcomes.

Able to manage competing priorities, ensuring delivery on a range of programmes and adapting to changing circumstances.

Knowledge of applicable, legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information

Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues.

Experience of senior leadership and management relevant to area of service delivery

Experience of strategic and operational resource management including the evaluation of competing priorities and managing accountabilities

Significant experience of leading change programmes, driving up standards and performance

Significant experience and commitment in relation to engagement in decision making processes.

Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team

Behavioural & other Characteristics required

Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct

Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection.

Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council.

Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.

Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.

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