Director Innovation, Systems and Services

Environment Agency; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Director for Innovation, Systems, and Services to join their senior leadership team. This pivotal role will lead a talented group dedicated to enhancing flood and coastal risk management while driving innovation and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of complex portfolio management, enabling them to influence environmental protection at a national level. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of environmental services and make a significant impact on communities and ecosystems alike.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience at a senior level, confidently operating at Board level.
• Deep understanding of portfolio management in complex operating environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a talented team of over 300 professionals in delivering systems and services.
• Drive transformative ways of working and coordinate innovation projects.

Skills

Leadership Experience

Portfolio Management

Analytical Skills

Strategic Thinking

Budget Management

Education

Master's Degree in Environmental Science or related field

Professional Certifications in Project Management

Tools

Project Reporting Tools

Contract Management Systems

Asset Management Software

Job description

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment. Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. We reduce the risks to people, properties and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion. We protect and improve the quality of water, making sure there is enough for people, businesses, agriculture and the environment. Our work helps to ensure people can enjoy the water environment through angling and navigation.

This is a pivotal time to join our Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) team at the Environment Agency. As we face increasingly complex environmental challenges, our role in delivering major infrastructure projects that protect communities and enhance resilience has never been more critical.

We are seeking an exceptional Director, Innovation, Systems and Services to join our senior leadership team. This new strategic role will be one of five senior leadership positions in our FCRM Directorate, which comprises approximately 1,500 staff with an annual budget exceeding £1 billion. As Director, you will lead a talented team of over 300 professionals, including multiple Deputy Directors, delivering a range of supporting systems and services across the directorate. You will drive forward transformative ways of working, coordinate innovation and continuous improvement projects, and be accountable for digital service development including contract, asset management and project reporting tools. Your influence will extend across the Environment Agency, government departments, and industry partners, playing a crucial role in horizon scanning to determine future needs from policy, resource and skills perspectives.

We are looking for individuals who bring extensive leadership experience at a senior level, with proven ability to operate confidently at Board level, with Ministers and senior partners across Government. You will need a deep understanding of portfolio management in complex operating environments and significant experience handling large resource and capital budgets. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to respond quickly to evolving priorities. Your vision for innovation and commitment to embedding a culture of continuous improvement will be essential in empowering our people to transform service delivery. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence environmental protection and flood risk management at a national level while leading a talented team dedicated to developing the systems and services needed for the future.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Environment Agency on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OBRZE. Alternatively email [e-mail]. Applications should be received by midnight on Sunday 1^st June.