* Providing expert input to the National Framework for Water Resources
* Managing programmes to deliver sustainable abstraction
* Drought planning and drought management
* Developing talent and skills in water planning
* National modelling for water resources and groundwater
As an inspiring leader, you will champion health, safety, and wellbeing; foster inclusion; and actively support the growth and development of your people. You will lead the operational delivery of services, ensuring resources are used effectively, priorities are met, and performance is efficient and demonstrable.
You will also take a wider leadership role as part of the Operations Catchment Services Leadership Team.
* Our people are our strongest asset so you'll demonstrate a passion for developing individuals and teams to be their best, creating an open, inclusive, trusting culture where everyone can be themselves.
* You'll have excellent stakeholder management skills with a strong customer focus and well-honed influencing skills.
* Our business is complex and integrated, so you'll need to think strategically, spotting links and connections to identify opportunities. But you'll also be able to simplify this ensuring a clear focus on delivering what is most important.
* A working knowledge of water resources management. Understanding of the environmental, political, and economic pressures affecting water companies, food producers, energy providers, technology and science sectors, and the wider water environment
Job Description
Are you passionate about ensuring we have enough water for people, business, and the environment. With a large part of the economy now depending on reliable water supplies, do you want to help secure the water resources needed for nature and for growth?
You will lead a department in Operations Catchment Services, with over 70 technical experts, who deliver a national water resources service including:
* Shaping and scrutinising Water companies' statutory Water Resource Management Plans
* Providing expert input to the National Framework for Water Resources
* Managing programmes to deliver sustainable abstraction
* Drought planning and drought management
* Developing talent and skills in water planning
* National modelling for water resources and groundwater
As an inspiring leader, you will champion health, safety, and wellbeing; foster inclusion; and actively support the growth and development of your people. You will lead the operational delivery of services, ensuring resources are used effectively, priorities are met, and performance is efficient and demonstrable.
You will also take a wider leadership role as part of the Operations Catchment Services Leadership Team.
The team
Operations Catchment Services is a national service, of 240 people, providing expertise in water and environmental planning, water company account management, and data analysis. We offer high quality services and act as the centre of technical excellence for water resources and water quality planning.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following skills, abilities, experience:
* Authentic leader, you'll bring a strong team focus and truly believe great leadership is fundamental to protecting people and the environment.
* Our people are our strongest asset so you'll demonstrate a passion for developing individuals and teams to be their best, creating an open, inclusive, trusting culture where everyone can be themselves.
* You'll have excellent stakeholder management skills with a strong customer focus and well-honed influencing skills.
* Our business is complex and integrated, so you'll need to think strategically, spotting links and connections to identify opportunities. But you'll also be able to simplify this ensuring a clear focus on delivering what is most important.
* A working knowledge of water resources management. Understanding of the environmental, political, and economic pressures affecting water companies, food producers, energy providers, technology and science sectors, and the wider water environment
Contact and additional information
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, female and LGBT+ candidates.
Please include information regarding preferred working arrangements.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. The candidate pack provides more information on this.
This role can be based at any of the Environment Agency offices across England.
Please read the Candidate Pack for information. Any queries, contact Stewart Mounsey, Deputy Director, Operations Catchment Services via -
Applications are "blind" assessed using your employment history and your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams on 27 January 2026.
If you consent, we'll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1
Leads People
Description
Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
QUESTION HERE:
What motivates you personally about leading delivery teams, and how have you translated your motivation into inspiring and leading a diverse team to deliver challenging outcomes?
Competence 2
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION HERE:
Give an example of when you have worked with technical delivery teams to create space in workplans to take on new duties / competing priorities.
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION HERE:
Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders with competing priorities to accept a complex technical decision
Competence 4
Develops People
Description
Makes sure team members have the skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully carry out their current role and to develop into future roles.
Understands role in leading change. Successfully leads change in own
team.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION HERE:
Describe a time where you have had to develop a team's knowledge and skills in a new area of work. How did you make sure the team had the right level of technical expertise was attained?
**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 for more information.
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.**