Overview
The Environment Agency is seeking an ECU Manager to lead the Economic Crime Unit (ECU), part of the National Environmental Crime Unit (NECU). The role leads a specialist team dedicated to removing the financial benefit from criminals and ensuring obligations under POCA are fulfilled. The position involves strategic leadership, collaboration with internal and external partners, and contributing to continuous improvement in how we work and understanding of POCA legislation.
Responsibilities
* Provide strong leadership and development for the ECU team, including two Team Leaders (Asset Denial Team and Money Laundering Investigations Team) and a Senior Financial Intelligence Officer.
* Strategically lead financial investigations and ensure alignment with POCA requirements.
* Collaborate with internal teams (Investigatory Teams, Intelligence & Partnerships, Legal) and external partners (Police, National Crime Agency, HMRC).
* Influence senior stakeholders to ensure EA priorities are supported and recognised by external enforcement agencies.
* Support the wider organisation in understanding POCA, share lessons learned, contribute to technical documentation, and advise other enforcement officers nationwide.
* Contribute to the Economic Crime Unit’s mission, comprising the Asset Denial Team and the Money Laundering Investigations Team, staffed by Financial Investigators, Financial Intelligence Officers and Crime Analysts.
Experience / Skills Required
* Exceptional leadership skills, ideally with experience leading a dispersed team.
* Good understanding of financial investigations and the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
* Experience in:
o Working in the law enforcement sector and understanding the National Intelligence Model.
o Effective communication including delivering feedback, managing performance, and building relationships with external stakeholders.
o Working under pressure and prioritising a varied workload.
o Identifying areas for improvement and leading changes to working practices.
o Developing and enhancing the capability of a team and the individuals within it.
Contact and Additional Information
* This is a hybrid role with home and near-office work; travel across the country for meetings and operational duties may be required.
* Incident response is part of the role; you may be required to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support, which may attract additional pay.
* Training and workplace adjustments will be available.
* Interviews will take place w/c 3rd November 2025. For more information, contact Emma Viner (Enforcement & Investigations Manager) at emma.viner@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Competence Framework
* Leads People
Provide examples of leading and inspiring a team through change.
* Develops People
Provide examples of handling complex staff issues to improve performance.
* Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Provide examples of leading a piece of work overcoming challenges with partner agency support.
Notes
* The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; benefits like continuous service may vary. Details are subject to HR guidance.
* We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please indicate preferred working arrangements in your application.
* We guarantee an interview to eligible applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
* The EA is a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses Central Government frameworks for external recruitment; for supplier information see gov.uk.
Artificial intelligence use: Applicants should ensure statements are truthful and from their own experience; plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of applications.
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