Reservoir Safety & Regulation Leader

Environment Agency; Cramlington; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Agency is seeking an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, guiding regulation across England to ensure public safety under the Reservoirs Act. You will drive strategic priorities, lead a national team of professionals, and collaborate with external stakeholders to deliver high‑quality outcomes.

You will bring significant experience in regulation, civil engineering or law, with a proven track record of leading change, high performance cultures, and innovative

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Regulation, Civil Engineering, Law or similar and relevant subject to Reservoir Regulation.
• Proven strategic leadership experience with translating strategic intent into operational delivery.
• Track record of driving high performance, accountability and psychological safety in teams.
• Ability to generate creative ideas, challenge assumptions and deliver value through new approaches.
• Skilled at making proportionate, risk-based decisions under pressure and at pace.
• Ability to build consensus and influence senior internal and external stakeholders to secure the best outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive stakeholder management and build trust with partners.
• Set strategic priorities aligned to EA Regulatory strategy and drive delivery through the team.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement to adapt to changing needs.
• Foster psychological safety to empower decision making and innovation.
• Manage complex, multi-agency risks to uphold public safety.
• Provide senior input for the Reservoir Safety Reform Programme and related initiatives.

Skills

Regulation

Civil Engineering

Law

Strategic leadership

High performance

Innovative thinking

Decision-making

Influential collaboration

Job description

Environment Agency is seeking an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, guiding regulation across England to ensure public safety under the Reservoirs Act. You will drive strategic priorities, lead a national team of professionals, and collaborate with external stakeholders to deliver high‑quality outcomes.

You will bring significant experience in regulation, civil engineering or law, with a proven track record of leading change, high performance cultures, and innovative