Drought Resilience Manager

Company Overview: Our client is a leading provider of sustainable water management solutions, dedicated to ensuring water security across the South West. As part of thier commitment to resilience and preparedness, we are seeking a dynamic Drought Resilience Manager to lead our drought preparedness and response strategies. Job Purpose: The Drought Resilience Manager will develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive drought management plans, ensuring the organization is well-prepared for drought events and water scarcity challenges. You will lead efforts to continuously update and review the Drought Management Plan (DMP) and coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives to enhance resilience across the regions we serve. This is a leadership role requiring expertise in strategic water resource planning, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. In collaboration with the Water Resources (WR) Strategic Planning team, you will shape the company’s long-term drought strategy, influence investment decisions for water resource options, and ensure regulatory compliance. Core Duties & Key Responsibilities: Drought Management Plan Development: Lead the development and perpetual review of drought management plans, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, best industry practices, and the unique challenges of the South West Water regions. Conduct regular assessments of drought risks and vulnerabilities, collaborating with the WR Strategy and Modelling teams to scope and oversee the delivery of drought data analysis and modelling through the Modelling Data and Systems Team. Drought Preparedness & Review: Carry out half-yearly drought readiness reviews, making necessary updates to the Drought Management Plan based on findings and assessments. Assess short- and long-term drought prospects and incorporate necessary updates into the DMP, ensuring that mitigation strategies are up-to-date and effective. Provide leadership in evaluating the effectiveness of drought management strategies, gathering feedback, analyzing outcomes, and making recommendations for continuous improvement. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Proactively engage with regulators, internal teams, and external stakeholders to build confidence in our drought resilience and preparedness. Coordinate the activation of drought response plans during drought events, ensuring timely deployment of resources, and facilitating clear communication among response teams and partners. Collaborate with the WR Strategy Manager, Abstraction Strategy Manager, Water Supply Options Manager, and other key internal teams to ensure cohesive water resource strategies. Innovative Solutions & Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and research in drought management, integrating innovative solutions and best practices into the organization’s drought strategies. Identify opportunities for new drought mitigation initiatives and lead efforts to adopt cutting-edge solutions that enhance water resource resilience. Regulatory & National Drought Group Coordination: Lead engagement with National Drought Groups and oversee reporting and preparation of materials for internal and external stakeholders. Ensure all drought-related regulatory requirements are met, proactively communicating the organization’s drought readiness to regulators and other key partners. Qualifications & Skills Required: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Water Resources, Civil Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of experience in water resource management, with a strong focus on drought preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies. Proven leadership experience in developing and implementing drought management plans and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives. Familiarity with water resource regulatory frameworks and best practices in the industry. Skills: Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data related to water supply, demand dynamics, and drought forecasting. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly to diverse audiences. Proficient in strategic planning and the development of innovative solutions for water scarcity and drought resilience. Strong project management capabilities, with a proven track record of leading projects from concept to execution within timelines and budgets. Why Join Us? Opportunity to lead critical drought resilience strategies and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources in a dynamic and impactful role. Be part of a forward-thinking team that prioritises innovation and collaboration in addressing water challenges. Competitive salary, benefits package, and professional growth opportunities