32602 - Strategy & Government Relations Manager

Environment Agency; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization is looking for experienced Strategy & Government Relations Managers to shape strategic direction and strengthen relationships with government and key stakeholders. The role requires self-motivated leaders skilled in communication and management, able to deliver results under pressure. You will drive innovation and collaboration across diverse teams, championing the organization’s mission while adapting to challenges. Candidates must have a strong understanding of government processes and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in shaping and delivering organization-wide strategies.
• Strong communication skills and customer focus.
• Ability to maintain high standards under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Shape the Environment Agency’s strategic direction.
• Engage with Government and key stakeholders.
• Provide proactive advice to senior leadership.

Skills

Political judgement

Creative and strategic thinking

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Relationship-building

Ability to anticipate trends

Job description

Overview

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We are looking for three experienced and dynamic leaders to join the Environment Agency’s Strategy Directorate. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply for a leadership role at the centre of the Environment Agency.

Responsibilities

As Strategy & Government Relations Managers, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Environment Agency’s strategic direction and strengthening its reputation with Government, Parliament, and key stakeholders. All roles include line management with each role leading a distinct portfolio, from managing relationships across government departments to preparing the organisation for tomorrow’s challenges. You will provide pro‑active advice to the Chair, Chief Executive, Executive Directors, and senior managers on reputational, political, and strategic risks and opportunities.

Our national Strategy Directorate supports senior leadership, drives future thinking, and manages the most senior customers for the organisation. We develop and implement strategies that resonate with staff, customers, and partners, ensuring delivery of our mission: creating better places for people and wildlife. As part of the directorate’s senior team, you will play a key leadership role in delivering results through a complex internal and external stakeholder landscape and fostering collaboration across the organisation. These roles suit individuals who thrive in complexity and can adapt with pace and flexibility, shaping organisational direction through insight and evidence. You will drive innovation, develop and empower colleagues, and support the organisation in delivering impact both now and in the future.

Your leadership will be critical in championing the Environment Agency in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond, and delivering our mission, balancing long‑term goals with short‑term problem‑solving.

The team

These roles sit within the Environment Agency’s Strategy Directorate, working across two fast‑paced teams: Government Relations and Strategy. Government Relations leads parliamentary engagement, ministerial briefing, and stakeholder relationships. The Strategy team drives corporate strategy, future thinking, and mission‑focused delivery.

Leading people at the heart of the organisation, you will actively enhance our relationships with government departments and drive the vision set out in our EA2030 corporate strategy.

Qualifications

We are seeking self‑motivated leaders to manage a diverse portfolio, deliver results through others, and maintain high standards under pressure. You will be an experienced manager with strong communication skills, customer focus, and a sound understanding of Government and Parliamentary processes.

You’ll bring:

• Political judgement, acting on intelligence effectively.
• Creative, agile and strategic thinking, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to build rapport quickly with senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, winning over senior colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience in shaping and delivering organisation‑wide strategies and engagement.
• Ability to anticipate trends, devise strategies to manage these, and influence organisational direction.
• Skill in developing and presenting evidence‑based recommendations persuasively.
• Strong relationship‑building and leadership skills to motivate teams deliver outcomes.
• Knowledge of environmental issues and/or sustainable growth.
• Success will require pro‑active strategic thinking, excellent relationship building, and proven experience in leading high‑profile work with direction, agility and resilience.