Agricultural Water Resources Project Lead

We at Allen & York are incredibly excited to be partnering with Water Resources East to support recruitment of this important role.

Agricultural Water Resources Project Lead

Location: Hybrid (Home-based with travel across the Water Resources East region)

Salary: £45,000 - £54,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Contract: Permanent

Reports to: Stakeholder Lead - Nature Recovery and Water Resources

About the Role

Water Resources East (WRE) is seeking an experienced and motivated Agricultural Water Resources Project Lead to drive innovative projects that enhance water resilience across the agricultural and horticultural sectors in Eastern England. This is a unique opportunity to lead impactful initiatives that support sustainable water use, strengthen food production, and shape the future of regional water management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver agricultural water projects and trials, including smart abstraction and irrigation initiatives.
• Manage a portfolio of complex projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to funder requirements.
• Promote and manage WRE's Agricultural Water Resilience Grant Scheme in Cambridgeshire.
• Build strong relationships with farmers, landowners, and key stakeholders to encourage engagement and scheme uptake.
• Represent WRE at meetings, workshops, and industry events.
• Contribute agricultural expertise to WRE's Regional Water Resources Plan and wider programmes.

About You Essential

• Proven experience managing complex projects and/or grant schemes.
• Strong understanding of agriculture or horticulture and experience working with farmers or land managers.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Willingness to travel across the WRE region.

Desirable

• Knowledge of water resources, irrigation, abstraction, or nature-based solutions.
• Experience delivering publicly funded programmes.
• Familiarity with agricultural water efficiency technologies or regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency.

About Water Resources East

WRE is an independent, not-for-profit organisation responsible for developing a long-term, multi-sector regional water resources plan for Eastern England. Its Regional Water Resources Plan was published in December 2023, with a progress report released in January 2026.

Benefits

• 26 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays
• Bonus scheme
• Employer pension contributions up to 12%
• Private health insurance
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Monthly in-person team meetups
• Ongoing professional development and training

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Water Resources East is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.