The Environment Agency is committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

OverviewYou will work at the centre of our transformation on water industry enforcement. As a programme manager you will support the programme team to identify objectives and deliver significant business change to our enforcement capacity and capabilities.

Responsibilities

Identify the key outcomes required from programmes and the projects within them, and present these with clarity.

Develop and maintain a programme plan and present it as a product that the programme team can engage with to track delivery, join up work, and create efficiencies.

Work with workstream leads to identify activities, resource requirements, milestones and when support is required.

Set programme controls and assurance, enabling the programme to adapt to change if required.

Advise on governance, including creating business cases.

Capture, manage and report on risks and issues, understanding what is specific to the programme and how to escalate appropriately.

Lead programme meetings, engaging all members to deliver common goals.

Report on progress to different levels of the organisation and Defra, tailoring communication to each audience.

The TeamThis role works closely with the Chief Regulators Group and Water Regulation in the national Environment and Business Directorate. The Water Regulation Programme Office is a new team working on high-profile, cross-cutting work and provides a view of water industry enforcement across the organisation.

Experience / Skills Required

Demonstrable experience successfully leading projects and project teams.

Understanding or experience of transforming complex organisations.

Excellent communication and influencing skills; able to present complex information clearly to enable decisions.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with dispersed customers and with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures; actively encourage diversity in work.

Ability to respond to tight deadlines and prioritise.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex and changing environment; confident in leading project teams through uncertainty and ambiguity.

Understanding of the water industry, regulation or enforcement activities would be useful.

Other DetailsThis role is initially advertised until end March 2026 and may be extended until end March 2027. The working location is flexible/hybrid in the EA Office network; some travel and overnights may be required. Training and an inclusive incident management objective will be provided. Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. Interviews are via MS Teams. If you consent to being on a reserve list, we may hold your details for 6 months and offer an alternative post.

Contract and QualificationsLength of contract: Up to 31/03/2026.

Competencies include:

Programme and Project Management — Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve EA objectives cost-effectively.

Delivers Results Through Others — Harnesses the team to deliver results on time and to standard.

Influences and Persuades Others — Presents a case in a compelling way to win support for plans.

Communicates Effectively — Listens, questions and conveys information clearly in speech and writing.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working arrangements, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities. If you are applying from outside Civil Service, note the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service.

For questions, contact Tamsin Appleton at tamsin.appleton@environment-agency.gov.uk. Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams.

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