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Job Description

At the Environment Agency we aspire for inclusivity to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed

We are looking for an inclusive and strategic leader to join us as Deputy Director for Strategic Water Resource Options (SWRO).

In this impactful role, you’ll guide the Environment Agency’s contribution to a £50 billion national infrastructure investment programme through to 2050 supporting sustainable growth, enhancing climate resilience, and protecting the environment for future generations.

You'll lead the successful delivery of a portfolio of 33 major water resource infrastructure projects, supported by a skilled programme office, technical experts, and communications specialists. This role suits a collaborative and future-focused leader who can build strong relationships and influence across local, regional, and national levels working with colleagues, communities, industry, and government to achieve meaningful outcomes.

As the Deputy Director, you will also provide strategic oversight of critical water supply infrastructure both owned by the Environment Agency and externally managed that supports more than 18 million people. You’ll help shape the vision and ensure delivery aligns with our wider goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and leading our national water resources programme
• Partnering with the Environment Agency Board, Executive Directors, and senior leaders to align on strategy
• Working closely with Defra, RAPID, and the water sector to strengthen collaboration
• Coordinating programme teams to achieve long-term goals
• Overseeing risk, assurance, and benefit delivery
• Planning for the right people and skills to support the work
• Managing programme budgets (c. £3–5 million)
• Leading national engagement from central government to local communities
  
  
  

This is a unique opportunity to shape nationally significant infrastructure with long-term environmental and social value. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds with strategic vision, strong collaboration skills, and inclusive leadership.

The team

You’ll lead a core team providing programme support, communications, and technical expertise, alongside a wider virtual team across the organisation. As the programme develops, you’ll help shape and grow this multidisciplinary team central to delivering collaborative, cross-sector work.

In Environment & Business, we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, collaboration, and innovation to inform delivery, influence policy and legislation, and secure the resources needed for long-term impact.

Experience/skills Required

We’re seeking individuals with a strong record of delivering complex programmes and achieving impactful results. You’ll bring experience in setting strategic direction, monitoring progress, and adapting to shifting priorities.

You will:

• be confident leading inclusive, multi-disciplinary, and geographically dispersed teams, creating a supportive environment where people thrive. You understand how to establish effective governance and take a balanced approach to identifying and managing risk.
• have strong financial oversight and experience managing significant budgets are key. You’ll be an effective communicator, able to share information clearly across complex organisations and build trusted relationships to influence positive outcomes.
• have familiarity with infrastructure policy and regulatory frameworks in the UK water sector is helpful but not essential.
  
  
  

You should hold a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. A recognised qualification in programme management and/or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. APM, CIWEM) is desirable.

Contact and additional information

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You’ll be expected to have an incident role. Full training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you.

You’ll have an EA office base location, but as this is a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid.

We use smart tools to stay connected. Travel and overnight stays will be expected.

Please read the Candidate Pack attached.

To register your interest in our Candidate Information Call and receive joining instructions, please email: Lyndsey.Patton@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams during week commencing 25 August 2025.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

• Seniority level
  Executive

• Employment type
  Full-time

• Job function
  Management and Manufacturing

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