Reservoir Regulation & Safety Leader

Environment Agency; Hexham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Agency is seeking an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, driving regulation across England to uphold public safety under the Reservoirs Act 1975. You will set strategic priorities, develop a high-performing, inclusive culture, and collaborate with Defra and external partners to deliver critical safety reforms.

The role requires a proven track record in regulation, civil engineering and/or law, with strong leadership, change management, and stakeholder influence

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Regulation, Civil Engineering, Law or related to Reservoir Regulation.
• Strategic leadership with delivering high-quality operational outcomes.
• Experience driving high performance and psychological safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive stakeholder management and build trust for collaboration.
• Set strategic priorities aligned to EA Regulatory strategy and drive delivery.
• Foster continuous improvement to adapt to changing needs.
• Promote psychological safety to empower decision making and innovation.
• Manage complex, multi-agency risks to uphold public safety.

Skills

Regulation

Civil engineering

Law

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Education

Regulatory law degree

Job description

Environment Agency is seeking an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, driving regulation across England to uphold public safety under the Reservoirs Act 1975. You will set strategic priorities, develop a high-performing, inclusive culture, and collaborate with Defra and external partners to deliver critical safety reforms.

The role requires a proven track record in regulation, civil engineering and/or law, with strong leadership, change management, and stakeholder influence