The Environment Agency is looking for a Deputy Director for Asset Management Systems within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management Directorate (FCRM).
This role is accountable for developing an effective Asset Management Strategy and its implementation, reporting directly to the Chief Engineer and Director of Standards, Asset Management and Engineering. They will work closely with the Deputy Director for Engineering and Standards and the Deputy Director for Asset Operations Services to ensure that the Agency’s FCRM, navigation and water assets are maintained efficiently, sustainably, and effectively.
The remit of the role encompasses all Environment Agency owned, maintained and/or operated infrastructure including notably FCRM (Flood and Coastal Risk Management), navigation and water resource assets. Leading a team of asset management professionals, the role holder will develop the corporate Asset Management Strategy, manage implementation, and ensure systematic and effective approaches to asset management practices across the Environment Agency.
The Deputy Director for Asset Management Systems will:
* Co-ordinate and manage the corporate asset management strategy, ensuring corporate objectives are captured and implemented through asset management.
* Provide support for asset management practitioners in FCRM and E&B, facilitating communities of practice, resolving technical challenges and managing safety, environmental and delivery risks.
* Manage asset system guidance, processes, and digital services to support systematic, efficient and effective asset management.
Essential criteria:
* Will have held, or demonstrated the capability to hold, a senior accountable engineering engineering or asset management role in a major complex infrastructure or allied safety critical programme.
* Strong technical experience assuring significant scale programmes of engineering construction as well as maintenance, operation, and/or decommissioning.
* Substantial asset management experience including influencing internal and external partners to align all parts of the asset management cycle in order to manage risk and maximise value.
* Excellent stakeholder (both internal and external) management skills with strong customer management and persuasion skills.
* An in-depth understanding of the UK legislative and policy environment relating to asset management and the business of the Environment Agency.
* Significant experience of managing and/or influencing governance.
* Comprehensive understanding of ISO 55000 standards for asset management, with a proven track record of applying these principles strategically or operationally, and leading the development and implementation of frameworks aligned with certification requirements
* Will have a proven track record in confidently communicating technical ideas to any audience.
* Recognition as a role model in the strategic leadership of multi-disciplinary standards, safety, and the environment.
Educational Requirements:
* Educated to degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate comparable technical know-how, in a relevant subject.
Desirable criteria:
* Status of a Fellow of an Engineering Institution.
* Chartered Engineering or Chartered Asset Management status
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment. Full training and flexible alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
Closing date for applications is 14 December 2025.
A candidate briefing call will take place for candidates interested in hearing more about this role. This will take place on 4 December at 1pm. For an invitation to this call please contact: PA.ChiefEngineer@environment-agency.gov.uk
Candidate Assessments will take place week commencing 19th January 2026. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
For further information please contact: PA.ChiefEngineer@environment-agency.gov.uk
The Environment Agency values difference. That’s why we are fully committed to being an inclusive employer. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment.
We 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.
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.