Strategic Reservoir Regulation Leader

Environment Agency; Matlock Bath CP; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environment Agency invites applications for an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, guiding regulation across England to ensure public safety under the Reservoirs Act. You will lead a national, dispersed team and collaborate with senior leaders, industry experts, and external stakeholders to deliver high standards and drive reform initiatives.

You will foster a high-performance culture, champion psychological safety, and drive continuous improvement in regulatory

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Regulation, Civil Engineering, Law or similar and relevant subject to Reservoir Regulation.
• Strategic leadership — Proven experience setting and translating strategic intent into confident, high‑quality operational delivery.
• High‑performance culture — Track record of driving high performance, accountability, and psychological safety.
• Innovative thinking - Ability to generate creative ideas and deliver value through new approaches.
• Confident decision‑making — Skilled at making proportionate, risk‑based decisions under pressure and at pace.
• Influential collaboration - Able to build consensus and influence senior stakeholders to secure outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive stakeholder management, building trust and enabling collaboration.
• Set strategic priorities aligned to the EA Regulatory strategy and motivate delivery.
• Develop and embed a culture of continuous improvement to support changing needs.
• Foster psychological safety to empower decision making and innovation.
• Manage complex, fast-paced risks to uphold public safety to the highest standard.
• Provide senior input for the Reservoir Safety Reform Programme delivery.

Skills

Regulation

Civil Engineering

Law

Strategic leadership

High-performance culture

Innovative thinking

Confident decision-making

Influential collaboration

Stakeholder management

Job description

The Environment Agency invites applications for an experienced leader to head the Reservoir Regulation team, guiding regulation across England to ensure public safety under the Reservoirs Act. You will lead a national, dispersed team and collaborate with senior leaders, industry experts, and external stakeholders to deliver high standards and drive reform initiatives.

You will foster a high-performance culture, champion psychological safety, and drive continuous improvement in regulatory