Reservoir Regulation Leader: Public Safety & Strategy

Environment Agency; Leeds; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environment Agency seeks an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, guiding regulation across England to ensure public safety under the Reservoirs Act. You will influence senior stakeholders, deliver strategic priorities, and drive a high‑performance, innovative culture while managing complex risk in collaboration with Defra and other agencies.

You will join the Environmental Assessment & Reservoir Regulation (EARR) Department within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Regulation, Civil Engineering, Law or similar subject related to Reservoir Regulation.
• Strategic leadership proven in translating intent into high‑quality operational delivery.
• Experience driving high performance, accountability, and psychological safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive stakeholder management, building trust and collaboration.
• Set strategic priorities aligned to EA Regulatory strategy and ensure delivery.
• Develop and embed a culture of continuous improvement to adapt to changing needs.
• Foster psychological safety enabling confident decision making and innovation.
• Manage complex risks to uphold public safety across England.
• Contribute senior user input to Reservoir Safety Reform Programme.
• Lead cross‑agency collaboration to secure the best environmental outcomes.
• Demonstrate leadership that translates strategy into operational delivery.

Skills

Regulation expertise

Strategic leadership

High‑performance culture

Innovative thinking

Decision making

Influential collaboration

Job description

The Environment Agency seeks an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, guiding regulation across England to ensure public safety under the Reservoirs Act. You will influence senior stakeholders, deliver strategic priorities, and drive a high‑performance, innovative culture while managing complex risk in collaboration with Defra and other agencies.

You will join the Environmental Assessment & Reservoir Regulation (EARR) Department within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management