Overview
The National Operations Manager (NOM) is a newly created, high-profile leadership role within the Environment Agency (EA). They will lead the National Operations Centre (NOC) and the nationwide incident response staff as they anticipate, assess, mitigate and respond to varied and complex incidents and risks, carrying out statutory duties under the Civil Contingency Act 2004, adhering to Cabinet Office best practice.
Responsibilities
* Hold the responsibility for the Command, Control and Communications of the multi-disciplined incident response and the effective deployment of mobile response assets. Translate strategic and tactical priorities into clear, outcome-focused objectives and provide briefings for senior leaders, including Government and partners, to fulfil public and environmental protective duties.
* Gather intelligence and develop situational awareness to provide the organisation with a deep understanding of threat, capability, strategy and political nuance. Direct investigative work, information analysis and intelligence development, and oversee the production of intelligence products, technical papers and risk assessments for diverse audiences (Executive Directors, partner organisations, Government/Ministers).
* Support the Executive Director of Operations with operational risk management, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of technical and political issues and cross-government coordination. Act as a single point of contact when engagement at high security classifications is required, and be suitably vetted to represent the EA at COBR meetings.
* Support the evolution of National Operations Centre capabilities and embedding them in the business. Responsible for delivering senior Incident Management & Resilience portfolios of work as directed.
Experience / Skills Required
Essential Criteria
* Experience of incident management, leading/improving a fast-paced operational delivery service, managing competing priorities, high user expectations, and resource constraints.
* Analytical skills to evaluate data from various sources and identify benefits/risks to support well-considered judgments and decisions.
* Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels, translating strategic and tactical priorities into clear, outcome-focused objectives; influence culture and team ways of working.
* Represent the function in internal and external forums, including relevant meetings, committees and panels.
* Practiced in inclusive leadership, role-modeling values to drive a high-performing culture that delivers governance, assurance, risk management, productivity, and positive people outcomes.
* Experience delivering successful change and continuous improvements, working collaboratively with key stakeholders and building strong relationships.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience operating in confidential environments, handling sensitive intelligence.
Contact and Additional Information
Flexible hours are available through blended home/office working. Travel is required with occasional overnight stays, and attendance at our Bristol office. Shift working is required, including early mornings, late shifts, weekends and out-of-hours on-call.
How to Apply
* An anonymised CV containing your job history and key achievements — maximum 3 pages.
* A Personal Statement concisely explaining your motivation for applying for this role and evidence how you meet the Essential Criteria and competencies: Leads People / Takes Decisions & Solves Problems / Influences & Persuades Others / Focuses on Efficiencies / Innovation & Quality — maximum 2 pages.
We will hold a briefing call on 15/09/2025. Interviews are in person in Bristol w/c 13/10/2025.
Further details are in the Additional NOM Information Pack. Any questions contact IMX@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Role-specific requirements
* Role-specific license requirements: Recognised professional tactical or strategic incident management command training, such as JESIP Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) or equivalent.
* Role-specific professional membership requirements: Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., UK Resilience Academy, Emergency Planning College, CIWEM, ICE, Royal Geographical Society, etc.).
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. You may have eligibility considerations for continuous service depending on previous roles. For status questions, consult your HR team.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns. Please include information about your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities whose applications meet the minimum criteria.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
We are committed to safeguarding community knowledge and ensuring accessible recruitment processes.
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