The Environment Agency is looking for a talented individual to deliver the strategic direction the Environment Agency needs to achieve a step change in the volume, quality and accessibility of information about the state of the environment.
Working to the Chief Scientist, this role will lead an Environment Agency wide transformative programme of work. This is a stretching and highly rewarding role that will provide key leadership in maintain and promoting the Environment Agency as a source of trusted information.
With a solid, in depth experience of monitoring and its use within the organisation, you must also understand the importance of managing across the business to support and drive delivery.
You will be an excellent communicator, who can build and develop relationships, and bring people along with them. You will understand complex political environments and seek to understand others and look for the common ground. You’ll engage and collaborate across the organisation, and with senior stakeholders across government, industry, environmental groups and communities.
The team
This role will lead diverse teams of around 25 direct staff, comprising programme and project and technical specialists, as well as a wider group of staff dedicated to the programme from across the Environment Agency. You will lead and support your team in being responsive and flexible to changing priorities, in a fast-paced environment.
You will report to the Chief Scientist, playing an active role as a member of the Chief Scientist’s Group Leadership Team.
Experience/skills required
Demonstrable success in developing strategies and delivery plans, with the ability to make decisions by assessing a wide range of information and advice.
Proven experience of working under pressure and at pace, and re-prioritising resources.
Ability to present strategic corporate positions, advising our senior leaders and senior stakeholders in a confident and in an articulate manner.
Forge and maintain strong relationships with partners, stakeholders and customers to strengthen engagement and build partnerships.
A visible leader and role model with progressive attitudes and behaviours, resilience, a collaborative “can-do” attitude, and commitment to creating an inclusive culture.
Financial, programme and budget management.
This role in the Chief Scientist’s Group does not require you to be from a specific technical profession, but you must have a thorough understanding of the data, science and evidence landscape that is of relevance to the work of the Environment Agency, and how that is delivered.
Please see our advert and candidate pack for more information on the role
Contact and additional information
Extensive national travel required. Some international travel is likely
For further information please contact: Dr Robert Bradburne
Candidate Assessments will take place in person 6th January 2026. These will include a staff engagement panel. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
We will be running a virtual candidate briefing session for those interested in applying for the role on 4 December at 2.30pm. Invitations can be acquired by emailing:
ChiefScientistPA@environment-agency.gov.uk
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.