Deputy Director National Forecasting and Warning Service
The Environment Agency exists to protect and enhance our natural world, creating healthier places for people and wildlife while supporting sustainable development for generations to come. Since 1996, the EA has grown into a nationwide organisation of more than 12,000 dedicated professionals, with a head office in Bristol and teams based across England, all working together to safeguard the environment.
The Environment Agency are now looking for a leader who can help drive one of our most vital national services. As Deputy Director National Forecasting and Warning Service, you will:
* Deliver high‑quality, efficient, round‑the‑clock forecasting and warning services that operate 24/7/365.
* Develop and strengthen our national forecasting capability to meet the accelerating impacts of climate change and rising environmental risks-while responding to the needs of communities, partners and public safety.
* Identify and champion opportunities to commercialise services, supporting long-term sustainability and aligning with the Environment Agency's strategic goals.
* Act as a national and global ambassador for forecasting and warning services-shaping dialogue, influencing policy and research, and building partnerships across the public and private sectors, both in the UK and internationally.
Role Overview:
The Environment Agency's Flood Forecasting and Warning Service operates within a dynamic and increasingly challenging context shaped by climate change, urbanisation, and evolving public expectations. Increasing flood risks especially from surface water and extreme weather events demand more accurate and timely forecasts. Some of the service is delivered in partnership with the Met Office through the Flood Forecasting Centre, combining meteorological and hydrological expertise. It is supported by government funding and strategic planning aimed at improving resilience and public trust.
The role holder will tackle some of the UK's most pressing environmental challenges.
* Enhancing surface water forecasting: Develop innovative approaches to predict fast-moving, localised flood events with greater accuracy and lead time.
* Ensuring public safety: Create clear, actionable communications that empower citizens and communities to respond effectively to flood warnings.
* Advancing forecasting technology: Contribute to the evolution of hydrological and meteorological models and forecasting systems, integrating cutting-edge data and tools.
* Strengthening resilience infrastructure: implement a co-ordinated and risk-based approach to service improvements for the country
* Maximising impact within resource constraints: Work collaboratively across agencies to deliver high-quality services efficiently and sustainably.
The role holder will oversee the continued embedding of re-grouped forecasting and warning staff and their efficient and effective working as one new end-to-end service within the Environment Agency, building a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared ownership. They will champion integration across disciplines, foster innovation in flood forecasting, and ensure that teams are empowered to deliver timely, accurate, and actionable warnings.
Role Specific Accountabilities:
1. Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Forecasting and Warning Service to ensure the effective, efficient, and high-quality delivery of the service, aligned with organisational priorities and stakeholder expectations.
2. Leads the transformation of a resilient, high-performing 24/7/365 national service, capable of meeting the complex demands of climate change, growing risk, and public expectation
3. Acts as a national ambassador and spokesperson for forecasting and warning. Shapes national dialogue on forecasting and warning, and preparedness standards.
4. Forges strategic alliances with UK and international partners for F&W. Focusses on sharing insight and strengthening capability. Position the EA as a global leader in F&W.
5. Anticipates, owns and manages strategic risks and issues for F&W including the FFC. Addresses risks and issues within the wider IMOR portfolio.
6. Influences national research and policy agendas. Shape national dialogue with government, emergency services, media, and the public on forecasting and climate preparedness and national incident response strategy, ensuring forecasting and warning services are embedded and future-proof.
7. Identifying opportunities to commercialise F&W services and generate income, ensuring they align with organisational objectives, add value, and strengthen the long-term sustainability and impact of the service
Essential Criteria:
1. Proven track record of strategic leadership across large, dispersed teams
2. Experience of delivering complex programmes and embedding new ways of working
3. Strong project and programme appraisal, assurance, and delivery capability
4. High-level stakeholder engagement and influencing experience across government and partners
5. Excellent communication skills, including briefing both technical and non-technical audiences
6. Proven ability to balance competing priorities and deliver through others
7. Significant experience leading organisational change and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams
8. Politically astute, with experience navigating complex environments
In addition, you will provide strategic leadership to approximately 158 full time equivalent specialists with 7 direct reports. Including oversight of the Flood Forecasting Centre partnership with the Met Office.
For further information please contact Andrew Timlin - 07887 777735 or Owen Quant - 07867 695217
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.