Job Description
We are looking for an inspiring individual to join us as an Area Director at the Environment Agency, guiding dedicated, values-driven teams in our Thames Area. As an Area Director, you will play a vital role in our mission to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable growth, ensuring people, nature and businesses can prosper together. You’ll empower teams to deliver our five‑year strategy, EA2030 change for a better environment, and respond effectively to incidents, whilst ensuring that our collective efforts prioritise sustainability and inclusivity.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead Operational Delivery in Area: You will lead through and oversee multi‑skilled individuals and navigate various legislative objectives. You will have a clear picture of the delivery priorities in the Thames Area and collaboration with others will be vital.
* Engage with a Variety of Stakeholders: You will manage relationships with Ministers, business leaders, MPs, local authorities, and community members. Your ability to empathise, operate politically and communicate clearly the role of the Environment Agency will be essential.
* Prioritise Health, Safety and Well‑Being: Your commitment to fostering a safe work environment and effective risk management will be key to success in the role.
* Embed a culture of inclusion: Your ability to role model and inspire an inclusive culture will be an integral part of the role. Enabling and encouraging diverse voices to be heard in our decision making will also be key.
* Make Informed Decisions: You will need to make decisions as issues arise, using the best available evidence, understanding the consequences and escalating risks where appropriate.
* Drive Innovation and Improvement: You will enable a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring we strive to be a high‑performing delivery body in government.
* Collaborate with Peers: You will work alongside peers and national strategic teams, influencing changes that enhance operational delivery.
Team
Now is the time for proactive environmental stewardship. We want you to be part of this transformative journey and join our team committed to making a difference. You will lead over 400 people working in the Thames Area, supported by a dedicated Area Leadership Team and a peer group of 18 other Area Directors.
Experience and Skills Required
* Extensive Leadership Experience: Proven success in operational environments, demonstrating your ability to inspire teams to deliver.
* Strategic Thinking Skills: A knack for delivering business improvements and navigating complex challenges.
* Calmness Under Pressure: The ability to communicate effectively and foster collaboration even in high‑stress situations.
* Excellent Political Judgement: Experience working effectively with a range of stakeholders on complex, sensitive issues in a political environment.
* Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: Skills to build consensus among senior stakeholders and support your team’s growth.
* Commitment to Health, Safety and Well‑Being: A passion for creating a culture of safety and developing others.
* Awareness of Incident Management: An understanding of crisis management and large‑scale incident response will be valuable.
Contact and Additional Information
This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the Environment Agency’s Thames Area, which stretches from Gloucestershire to Surrey. Your base location will be in Reading or Wallingford – this is a place‑based role and will involve regular travel within the Thames Area. There will also be some travel to other Environment Agency offices, such as London or Birmingham, with occasional overnight stays. Please download the candidate pack for full details including how to apply.
We will be running a virtual briefing session for candidates on 31 March 2026. For an invitation email: DirectorofOperationsSandE@environment-agency.gov.uk. If you are unable to attend, a recording will be available.
Interviews will take place on 5 or 6 May 2026. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Additional Information for Applicants
For applicants from the Civil Service: the Environment Agency is not 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.
Frameworks and Sourcing
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.
Artificial Intelligence Use
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non‑departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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