The Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium manages the operations and affairs of the Axe Brue, Parrett, and North Somerset Levels Internal Drainage Boards across the Somerset Levels and Moors. The Boards’ primary role is the management of water levels to protect people, property, and the environment. This work is guided by a shared suite of policies and byelaws applied consistently across all three Boards.
The Boards work collaboratively with the Environment Agency, the Somerset Rivers Authority, Natural England, Somerset Council, and other partners to deliver cost effective, efficient maintenance, improvement and operational programmes that keep watercourses and structures performing to high standards for the benefit of communities and the environment.
Role Description
This is a rewarding full-time permanent role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium. The rewards package and salary are generous and will be finalised depending upon the skills, and experience of the candidate and the agreed scope of the duties and responsibilities
The CEO is responsible for leading strategic direction, managing operational activities, and ensuring the efficient delivery of drainage and water level management services. Responsibilities include overseeing, staff, budgets, fostering stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation in public engagements, leading flood risk and environmental initiatives, and ensuring compliance with governance regulatory and legislative frameworks. The role is based in Highbridge, Somerset.
The Chief Executive manages the business, resources and activities of three Drainage Boards which work together and share resources as a Consortium. Key responsibilities include:
Strategy and Governance:
Develop strategies which will ensure the Boards’ effectiveness in the mid & long term, and policies, processes and plans to deliver these.
Optimise governance arrangements across the three boards with a view to improving the efficiency of the organisation.
Finance:
Oversee assurance of the Boards’ and the Consortium’s financial viability, including seeking to increase income and control costs to optimise service provision.
Engineering:
Ensure the provision of appropriate engineering capability & resources to deliver the Boards’ responsibilities for water level management, including flood risk, land management and farming, the environment, peat protection and other water dependant features.
Appointment and oversight of contractors for delivery of technical services, operations, incident response, engineering works.
Leadership & Management:
Build and maintain an effective executive team, and staffing of the organisation with the right numbers and calibre of people, including their development, team working and culture.
Set standards and exemplify these through personal behaviour thus maintaining the Consortium’s current excellent working culture.
Ensure the management of performance & succession planning.
Ensure the management of risks, including health and safety and IT provision.
Optimise resource provision including buildings and offices.
Foster partnership working between the three Boards.
Operations:
Execute the Boards’ strategic direction, policies, processes and procedures.
Ensure enforcement actions are taken where necessary.
Maintain & improve the reputation of the three Boards through its public relations.
Stakeholders: lead & manage the Boards’ relationships with key stakeholders including the Environment Agency, Association of Drainage Authorities, Somerset Unitary Councils, Somerset Rivers Authority, and environmental bodies including Natural England, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Somerset Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.
Clerkship:
(which may or may not be part of the role depending on Candidates)
Ensure that the Boards act in compliance with all legal, financial legislation, audit, regulations and any contractual/legal obligations.
Administer the membership of the Boards and ensure appropriate records are kept of meetings.
Ensure the electoral and rating registers are valid.
Review, revise and apply standing orders and financial regulations as approved and adopted by the Boards.
Act as Returning Officer during any elections.
To manage administrative affairs of the Boards and the Consortium, advising the members on administration, procedural and other matters as well as implementing legislation, regulation and policies.
Qualifications
- Leadership and management skills, including experience managing teams and overseeing organisational operations and business risk.
- Strategic planning and budgeting expertise, with an ability to manage resources efficiently
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage with stakeholders, public authorities, and community groups
- Knowledge of water level management, environmental management, and/or related fields; familiarity with regulatory and legislative compliance in such areas is a plus
- Experience in public sector or nonprofit governance is advantageous
- Ability to foster partnerships, collaborate effectively, and represent the organisation professionally in various settings
- Relevant academic qualifications or equivalent experience in management, engineering, environmental science, or related disciplines
- Commitment to the principles of sustainability, flood resilience and environmental stewardship
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of the Somerset Levels and Moors and the Drainage Boards.
The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 24 June 2026.
For further information and details on how to apply, or to arrange an informal and confidential discussion please email [email protected]
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
