Senior User Yaverland and Shanklin

Please apply online via the link provided.

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The Isle of Wight Council currently does not have a license to sponsor overseas workers.

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37 hours per week

This role is office based, with potential for some agile or remote working.

Fixed term contract to October 2029

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and community-focused individual to take on the role of a Senior User and Asset Owner Representative for the Isle of Wight Council and Environment Agency sea defence project at Yaverland and Shanklin.

This high-profile coastal protection project is vital to safeguarding local communities, businesses, and infrastructure from coastal flooding and erosion. As Senior User, you will play a key role in ensuring the project meets the needs of residents, stakeholders, and partners, while supporting smooth delivery throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Isle of Wight Council's nominated Senior User and Asset Owner Representative for the Yaverland and Shanklin Coastal Defence Programme, ensuring the Council's interests as future owner, operator and maintainer are represented throughout project development, design, delivery and handover.
• Represent the Council as a member of the Project Board and associated governance groups, providing advice, challenge and assurance to ensure project outcomes align with Council operational requirements, asset management objectives, corporate priorities and community needs.
• Coordinate and consolidate specialist input from relevant Council services and work closely with the Service Manager - Environment and Coast, Capital Projects Manager and other subject matter experts to ensure a consistent and informed Council position is presented throughout programme development and delivery.
• Review and influence project proposals, designs, business cases and delivery plans, identifying risks, opportunities and future liabilities for the Council and making recommendations to the Project Board, Project Sponsor and Project Director.
• Act as a key point of contact between the project and local communities, elected members, businesses, landowners and stakeholders, ensuring local concerns, aspirations and place-based opportunities are understood, represented and reflected within project development and decision-making.
• Promote the programme as a catalyst for wider investment, regeneration and environmental improvement, identifying opportunities to secure additional funding and maximise economic, tourism, community and place-making benefits arising from the significant public investment in the area

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Is experienced in community liaison, project coordination, or public-facing roles
• Can manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders confidently and diplomatically
• Is well-organised, with the ability to monitor progress and manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrates problem-solving skills and a proactive approach
• Has an interest in environmental, coastal, or infrastructure projects
• Previous experience in working on similar type projects

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a major coastal defence project that will have a lasting impact on the Isle of Wight. You will work alongside partners including the Environment Agency and community groups, helping to shape a project that protects people and places for years to come.