Digital Strategic Programme Manager

Environment Agency; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A public environmental organization in the UK seeks an experienced Digital Programme Manager to lead a multi-million-pound digital transformation programme. This role involves overseeing a complex portfolio of digital projects aimed at enhancing environmental protection and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge in programme management methodologies, proven experience in managing large-scale digital programmes, and excellent stakeholder engagement skills. The position supports flexible working and requires some national travel.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of programme and project management methodologies, including MSP, Agile, and Prince2.
• Proven experience managing large-scale digital programmes with budgets over £20m.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic delivery of a multi-million pound digital programme.
• Drive transformation of regulatory services with digital-first approaches.
• Manage programme governance, risk, and assurance processes.

Skills

Programme and project management methodologies

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytical skills

Understanding of cyber security principles

Job description

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We also support flexible working patterns, including job shares.

The Environment Agency is seeking an experienced Digital Programme Manager to lead the delivery of a multi-million pound digital transformation programme. This is a unique opportunity to shape how we protect and improve the environment through innovative digital solutions, ensuring our regulatory functions are efficient, user‑friendly, and future‑ready. You will oversee a complex portfolio of digital projects, working across government, industry, and communities to deliver services that support environmental protection, compliance, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic delivery of a multi-million pound digital programme, ensuring value for money and measurable outcomes.
• Drive transformation of regulatory services, embedding digital‑first approaches that improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Manage programme governance, risk, and assurance processes in line with government standards and managing deliver partner contracts.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the Environment Agency, Defra Group, and wider government.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and accessibility in digital service design.
• Lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Develop and then deliver benefits identified in the Business Case.

The team This strategic programme sits within the Transformation team in Strategy, Transformation and Assurance (STA) function. Our aim is to support the delivery of the Environment Agency's Corporate Strategy EA2030: Change for a better environment, through technology and digital services.

Your base location will be any Environment Agency office. We use technology to full effect to keep in touch/enable a good work/life balance, however national travel will be required for meetings. The short listing assessment process will be undertaken within 2 weeks of the closing date, with interviews to follow shortly after. If you are interested and you would like to know more please contact [e-mail] for further questions.

Competence 1 – Programme and Project Management

Question: Tell us about a complex Digital project or programme of work that you have delivered directly or through using contractors. What were the challenges faced and how you lead the team to overcome them to ensure successful delivery? When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question. If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Competence 2 – Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

Question: Identify and seize opportunities to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without compromising quality or accuracy. Please use real life examples to evidence how you've met this competency. Please consider the characteristics and requirements of the role in your answer. Ensure your examples include digital service programme delivery, PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.

Competence 3 – Communicates Effectively

Question: Give me an example of when you had to adapt your communication style to suit a particular individual or audience. Please consider examples of who you communicated; digital benefits, outcomes and adoption. PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of programme and project management methodologies (e.G. MSP, Agile, Prince2) digital change delivery, and technology adoption within a complex organisation.
• Proven experience managing large-scale digital programmes (£20m+ pa).
• Understanding of cyber security principles, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience in financial assurance and managing spend against budgets.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• A track record of delivering digital transformation in complex regulatory or public service environments.
• Passion for environmental protection and public service.
• Strong data analytical and problem‑solving skills.