Drought Resilience Manager

AnaVation LLC; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A water services organization in England is seeking a Drought Resilience Manager to lead the development of drought preparedness strategies. You will coordinate the Water Company Drought Plan, conduct risk assessments, and manage stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in strategic planning, data analysis, project management, and demonstrated success in drought initiatives. This role offers a salary between £45,000 and £55,000, along with great benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

26 days holiday allowance

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

Subsidised healthcare benefits

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in developing drought plans.
• Strong background in project management and budgeting.
• In-depth understanding of drought policies and regulations.
• Proven track record in building strong external relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the Water Company Drought Plan.
• Conduct annual drought readiness reviews and updates.
• Engage proactively with regulators and stakeholders.
• Manage activation of drought response plans.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Project management

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Job description

Supporting the lives of people and places they love for generations to come is our purpose and providing water services to our communities in the most efficient and sustainable way possible is what we do. Our commitment is to always deliver available and sufficient resources, this is what drives the Drought and Resilience Team and in doing so we want to ensure that we enhance our reputation with our customers, regulators and stakeholders. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

We currently have an opportunity for a Drought Resilience Manager to join our Water Resources team working in either Exeter or Bristol. As Drought Resilience Manager you will develop, implement and oversee drought preparedness and response strategies, covering the South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water and Isles of Scilly regions.

You will have opportunity to take a lead role on the development of the Water Company Drought Plan, our annual review of the Water Company Drought Plan and lead drought exercises to improve our preparedness for drought.

You will take a leading role in coordinating drought response efforts and engage stakeholders to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of water scarcity.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Water Company Drought Plan (WCDP), tailored to the South West region’s specific needs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with industry best practices.
• Coordinate comprehensive assessments of drought risks and vulnerabilities with the WR Strategy and Modelling teams, oversee data analysis and modelling efforts, and ensure mitigation strategies are developed for identified impacts.
• Conduct annual drought readiness reviews, update the WCDP based on findings, and organize drought exercises to test preparedness.
• Oversee the assessment of short- and long‑term drought prospects, ensuring timely updates to the WCDP.
• Engage proactively with regulators and internal stakeholders to strengthen confidence in drought readiness.
• Provide oversight for drought readiness improvement plans, evaluating strategy effectiveness, analysing outcomes, and recommending enhancements.
• Manage the activation of drought response plans, ensuring resource deployment, communication, and coordination among teams and external partners.
• Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and research in drought management to integrate innovative solutions and best practices into strategies.
• Represent the organization in National Drought groups, oversee reporting, and prepare required content.

What We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective drought plans, coordinating multi‑stakeholder initiatives, or driving innovative solutions to address water scarcity challenges.
• Strong background in strategic planning, data analysis, project management, and financial budgeting within water resources planning and management.
• In‑depth understanding of drought‑related policies, regulations, and best practices, along with experience navigating regulatory frameworks.
• Familiarity with environmental and ecosystem impacts of water resource management and an understanding of social and equity considerations.
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make evidence‑based decisions in complex situations.
• Proven track record in building strong external relationships, fostering collaboration, and maintaining effective communication with regulators and stakeholders.
• Flexibility to work in dynamic environments, adapt to changing priorities, and participate in emergency response activities, including occasional travel and fieldwork.
• A dynamic and motivated leader in water resources with a clear vision, proven strategic leadership in water resource planning, and strong influencing skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.

What's In It For You?

• This isn’t just a job, this is a career; the opportunities to develop and grow your career with us are endless. Alongside ongoing training and development opportunities we offer some great benefits:
• 26 days holiday allowance rising to 30 days plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Professional progression routes
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary bonus
• Share save scheme
• Subsidised healthcare benefits
• Plus, many more!

£45,000 - £55,000 a year

Closing Date: 9th January 2026

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.