Specialist Lead Natural Flood Management (NFM)

Become our NFM specialist, working to shape strategic river resilience, secure funding, and build partnerships — delivering real environmental impact across the SERT region.

About the role

SERT are increasing our capacity and capability in the area of Natural Flood Management (NFM) and require an experienced and proactive individual with proven leadership experience who can lead this expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with NFM specialist skills to shape a growing area of delivery for SERT, building on existing foundations and positioning the organisation to maximise impact in the years ahead.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Help to establish and enhance a ‘one-team’ ethos across the NFM Specialism, whilst also ensuring it is delivering Catchment priorities.

· Direct line management of a Project Officer and Matrix Management of two other NFM-based roles across the organisation (this may increase in the future):

· Develop and deliver a strategic approach to NFM targeting activity across multiple scales (from national to sub-catchment level) to maximise impact.

· Identify and directly support new business development and project funding opportunities from a range of sources to grow our impact.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including catchment partners, local authorities, regulators, businesses including water companies, land managers and other environmental organisations.

What We Are Looking For

The role of natural solutions in improving the resilience of our rivers and reducing flooding is increasingly gaining traction. SERT is looking for someone who can take this opportunity and grow it. In addition to developing a strategic approach to NFM targeting you will also be adept at securing funding and partnerships to deliver this strategy.

About You

Besides having a passion for NFM, we need an individual who can confidently develop, grow and lead a team, whilst seeking new opportunities for impact. You will be adept at business development and will be comfortable supporting strategic relationships with catchment partners, local government, regulators, water companies, local businesses and environmental organisations. You will require a good overview of Health and Safety best practise, empowering our Restoring Rivers and Catchments team to undertake effective project delivery and risk management in the field.

Why work with us?

You’ll be joining a supportive, values-led organisation where your work really matters. We offer flexible hybrid working, opportunities to build experience, and the chance to be part of a team making a positive impact for the environment.

Site locations

The SERT region, covers the south east of England, extending from Hampshire in the west to Kent in the east, with the northern border being south of the Thames, extending down to the English Channel.

Our office is based in Leatherhead which you will be required to attend up to 4 times a month.

The amount of travel required depends on the role, and can be extensive. Most travel for an individual will be to work on project sites, which can be remote, or attending external meetings within the SERT region. The geographical range and frequency of travel is role dependent.

To support travel costs, SERT pays mileage at the current HMRC amount for travel within the SERT region. We do not pay mileage, time or any other costs for travel outside the SERT region, nor for any commutes to the office. Toll charges cannot be claimed.

Interested?

Apply now, see the full job description for more information. Job description Specialist Lead - Natural Flood Management

Application process:

• Closing date for applications: 28th June 2026 11.59pm

• In person interviews (at our Leatherhead office): Thursday 9th July 2026

• We reserve the right to close this job advert early

For further information on the application process see our FAQ's

Team

Water, Land and Catchments

Role

Specialist Lead -NFM

Locations

South East Rivers Trust

Remote status

Hybrid

Yearly salary

£40,810 - £49,927

Employment type

Full-time

Driving licence required

Yes

Contract

Permanent

Travel required

Regular - within the SERT region