Land Use Strategy Lead

Do you have a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful environmental strategies?

Are you passionate about safeguarding vital water resources?

We are looking for a proactive, forward thinking Land Use Strategy Lead to play a crucial role in protecting our drinking water sources. In this role, you'll develop and implement strategies to ensure the resilience of raw water quality and quantity, working to mitigate the impact of land use changes and new developments.

You'll collaborate closely with our Town Planners and operational catchment staff, contributing to sustainable economic growth while securing future water supplies.

This role will also be instrumental in shaping our future Water Resource Management Plans (WRMPs) and driving the development of Water Industry National Environment Plans (WINEPs).

Main responsibilities:

• Develop and implement land use strategies to protect South East Water’s drinking water catchments
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for sustainable water source operation, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines. These strategies should be designed to effectively manage and balance the competing demands of land use change, environmental protection, resource conservation, and customer water supply, with the goal of meeting current and future customer water demands.
• Establishing, building and maintaining relationships with key partners to deliver outcomes for the WINEP and wider catchments, motivating/supporting individuals in the catchment team with partnerships in their areas. This role demands exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, local authorities, community groups and regulatory bodies. The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, with a deep understanding of the principles of sustainable land management.
• Provide expert technical guidance and thought leadership, utilising data-driven insights and industry best practices to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ability to work with uncertainty and plan adaptively as a self-starter.
• Write and coordinate technical reports, communication documents to a high standard to meet robust internal and regulatory deadlines. Check and review work prepared by others.

You'll need:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Technically qualified in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Water and Environmental Management (with a degree, HND or equivalent work related experience).
• Demonstrable, extensive experience in a similar role.
• Strong communication and influential skills and the ability to work alongside multiple departments, local authorities, councils, regulators and MPs.
• Excellent data interpretation skills, reflecting the need to use the data to inform and influence stakeholders.
• Proficient with the use of GIS and spatial data analysis tools.
• Full, clean driving licence and ability to travel across Company region/areas as required
• Good knowledge of catchment restoration or agricultural sector
• Experience in land use planning, environmental management, or sustainable development.
• Strong understanding of water resource management planning, water quality and environmental regulations.
• Proven track record of strategic leadership, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.

It will be a bonus if you have:

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Degree ideally in a scientific discipline or relevant work related area
• Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or other appropriate organisation.
• A working knowledge of integrated catchment management planning systems and approaches.
• Working knowledge of planning applications and legislation.
• Ability to work with uncertainty and plan adaptively as a self-starter.
• Understanding of Source-Pathway-Receptor models and conceptualisation
• Experience of working with Local Planning Authorities, National Park Authorities, Councils and developers.