Overview
The National Operations Manager (NOM) is a newly created, high-profile leadership role within the Environment Agency (EA). They will lead the National Operations Centre (NOC) and the nationwide incident response staff to anticipate, assess, mitigate and respond to varied and complex incidents and risks, carrying out statutory duties under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, adhering to Cabinet Office best practice.
Responsibilities
* Hold responsibility for the command, control and communications of the multi-disciplinary incident response and the effective deployment of mobile response assets. Translate strategic and tactical priorities into clear, outcome-focused objectives and provide briefings for senior leaders, including Government and partners, to fulfil public and environmental protective duties.
* Gather intelligence and develop situational awareness to provide a deep understanding of threat, capability, strategy and political nuance. Direct investigative work, information analysis and intelligence development, and oversee the production of intelligence products, technical papers and risk assessments for diverse audiences (Executive Directors, partner organisations, Government/Ministers).
* Support the Executive Director of Operations with operational risk management, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of technical and political issues and cross-government coordination. Act as a single point of contact for high-security classification levels and be suitably vetted to represent the EA at COBR meetings.
* Support the evolution of NOC capabilities and embed them in the business. Deliver senior Incident Management & Resilience portfolios of work as directed.
Team and purpose
You’ll be part of a team of six NOMs, reporting to an accountable Deputy Director within the Incident Management & Resilience Directorate alongside 400 colleagues.
* Plan for changing risk: Make the biggest impact by being ready for the greatest risks.
* Collaborate to inspire action through partnership: People take action to reduce the impact of incidents.
* Respond to the climate emergency: Deal effectively with frequent and complex incidents.
Experience/skills Required
Essential Criteria
* Experience of incident management, leading/improving a fast-paced operational delivery service, managing competing priorities, high user expectations, and resource constraints.
* Analytical skills to evaluate data from various sources and identify benefits/risks to make well-considered judgments and decisions.
* Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels, translating strategic and tactical priorities into clear, outcome-focused objectives, and influencing team culture and working practices.
* Ability to represent the function in internal/external forums, including meetings, committees, and panels.
* Proven inclusive leadership, role modelling values to drive a high-performing culture with good governance, risk management, productivity, and positive people outcomes.
* Experience delivering successful change and continuous improvements, working with key stakeholders and building strong relationships.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience operating in confidential environments, handling sensitive intelligence.
Contact and additional information
Flexible hours are available through blended home/office working. Travel is required with occasional overnight stays, and attendance at our Bristol office. Shift work is required, including early/late/weekends/on-call.
How to Apply
Please provide the following:
* An anonymised CV containing your job history and key achievements – maximum 3 pages.
* A Personal Statement concisely explaining your motivation for applying and how you meet the Essential Criteria and competencies: Leads People, Takes Decisions & Solves Problems, Influences & Persuades Others, Focuses on Efficiencies, Innovation & Quality – maximum 2 pages.
We will hold a briefing call on 15/09/2025. Interviews are in person in Bristol w/c 13/10/2025. Further details are in the Additional NOM Information Pack. Any questions contact IMX@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Role specifics
* Role specific license requirements: Recognised professional tactical or strategic incident management command trained, such as JESIP Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) or equivalent.
* Role specific professional membership requirements: Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., UK Resilience Academy, Emergency Planning College, CIWEM, ICE, Royal Geographical Society, etc.).
The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. We also guarantee an interview for applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.
The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body committed to value for money and government frameworks/contracts for external recruitment. For supplier opportunities through Crown Commercial Service, see gov.uk guidance.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
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