Deputy Director for Strategic Water Resource Options (SWRO) - 31341
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Job Description At the Environment Agency, we aspire to foster inclusivity within our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements to ensure everyone can contribute and succeed. We are seeking an inclusive and strategic leader to join us as Deputy Director for Strategic Water Resource Options (SWRO). In this impactful role, you will 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 will 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, future-focused leader capable of building strong relationships and influencing at local, regional, and national levels, working with colleagues, communities, industry, and government to achieve meaningful outcomes. As Deputy Director, you will also provide strategic oversight of critical water supply infrastructure, owned by the Environment Agency and externally managed, supporting over 18 million people. You will 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 Collaborating closely with Defra, RAPID, and the water sector Coordinating programme teams to achieve long-term goals Overseeing risk management, assurance, and benefit delivery Planning for the right people and skills to support the work Managing programme budgets (circa £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 will lead a core team providing programme support, communications, and technical expertise, alongside a wider virtual team across the organisation. As the programme develops, you will help shape and grow this multidisciplinary team, central to delivering collaborative, cross-sector work. At 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 resources for long-term impact. Experience/skills Required We seek individuals with a proven record of delivering complex programmes and achieving impactful results. You should have experience in setting strategic direction, monitoring progress, and adapting to shifting priorities. Confident in leading inclusive, multidisciplinary, and geographically dispersed teams, creating a supportive environment where people thrive. You understand effective governance and balanced risk management. Strong financial oversight and experience managing significant budgets are essential. You should be an effective communicator, capable of sharing complex information clearly and building trusted relationships to influence positive outcomes. Familiarity with UK water sector infrastructure policy and regulatory frameworks 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 this role. Full training and flexible working arrangements will be provided. The role is based in an EA office, but as a national position, the working location is flexible/hybrid. Travel and overnight stays are expected. Please read the attached Candidate Pack. To register your interest and receive joining instructions for our Candidate Information Call, email: Lyndsey.Patton@environment-agency.gov.uk. Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 25 August 2025. If you consent to being on a reserve list, we will hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. If applying from the Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant upon appointment. For applicants in local government or other bodies, you may be eligible for continuous service for redundancy calculations. Contact your HR if unsure. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please specify your preferred working arrangements in your application. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria. The Environment Agency uses government frameworks for recruitment and does not engage directly via post, email, or phone. For support suppliers, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Management and Manufacturing
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