Executive Search Assignment
About North Level District Internal Drainage Board
North Level District Internal Drainage Board is responsible for managing water levels and drainage infrastructure across a significant area of the Fenlands. The organisation plays a critical role in protecting communities, supporting businesses and safeguarding one of the UK's most productive agricultural regions.
As pressures around climate change, flood risk and water resource management continue to evolve, effective leadership has never been more important.
The Challenge
Following the planned retirement of long-serving CEO Paul Sharman after 38 years with the organisation, the Board needed to appoint a successor capable of leading North Level through its next phase of development.
The appointment carried significant responsibility. The successful candidate would need to combine strategic leadership with operational expertise, while engaging effectively with local authorities, businesses, agricultural stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
The Board required an individual with experience managing infrastructure, leading large operational teams and navigating complex regulatory environments. Given the specialist nature of the role, the search would need to extend beyond traditional sector boundaries and reach candidates both within the UK and internationally.
.png)
Our Approach
Operating on a retained search basis, MorePeople Executive Search partnered closely with Chair Michael Sly, William Gee, James Sly and the wider Board to define the leadership profile and critical success factors for the role.
Our executive search team conducted extensive market mapping across multiple sectors, identifying senior leaders with relevant experience in infrastructure, ports, marine operations, public sector environments and related industries.
The search process included:
Comprehensive market mapping and research
Executive headhunting across the UK and overseas
Candidate assessment and shortlisting
Salary benchmarking and market insight
Bespoke interview and assessment design
Board workshops and regular progress updates
Final-stage interview support
Offer negotiation and onboarding support
Throughout the assignment, we maintained close communication with the Board to ensure the process remained aligned with organisational priorities and stakeholder requirements.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive search process, Jamie Hemming was appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
Jamie brought more than 20 years of leadership experience across marine operations, ports and infrastructure management, with expertise gained both in the UK and the United States. His previous experience working in the Fenland area, combined with his commercial and operational leadership background, made him an exceptional fit for the role.
His appointment provides North Level with the leadership required to build on its strong foundations while preparing the organisation for the future challenges and opportunities facing water management in the region.
