Environment Agency

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment. Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. We reduce the risks to people, properties and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion. We protect and improve the quality of water, making sure there is enough for people, businesses, agriculture and the environment. Our work helps to ensure people can enjoy the water environment through angling and navigation. This is a pivotal time to join our Flood and Coastal Risk Management team at the Environment Agency. As we face increasingly complex environmental challenges, our role in delivering major infrastructure projects that protect communities and enhance resilience has never been more critical.

Watch: An Introduction to the Environment Agency, Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM)

By Caroline Douglass, Executive Director, Flood and Coastal Risk Management at Environment Agency

We are seeking an exceptional Director Projects and Programme Delivery to join our senior leadership team. This role leads the delivery of projects and programmes across the Environment Agency for the Flood Investment portfolio. As Director, you will lead a team of approximately 700 talented professionals, including Programme Delivery Deputy Directors and major project leads. Working closely with the Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management, you will drive continuous improvement in sustainability, quality, cost, delivery and innovation while maintaining best-in-class performance. Your influence will extend across the Environment Agency, government departments, and industry partners, playing a crucial role in shaping our approach to infrastructure delivery and environmental protection across England. You may also serve as Senior Responsible Owner for major projects exceeding £100m, with accountability that may extend to Parliament for Government Major Projects and Programmes (GMPP).

Watch: An Introduction to the Director Projects and Programme Delivery role

We are looking for individuals who bring extensive senior leadership experience in programme management of large-scale projects and portfolios, with a strong track record of supply chain management in complex commercial environments. You will need exceptional political awareness and established networks across government departments and industry partners. The ideal candidate will demonstrate outstanding relationship-building skills, equally comfortable engaging with delivery partners in the field or senior officials in Whitehall. Your vision for driving performance improvement and commitment to working collaboratively will be essential in empowering our people to deliver sustainable infrastructure that makes a real difference to communities. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence environmental protection at a national level while leading a talented team dedicated to delivering critical infrastructure.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Environment Agency on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference OBRZF. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by midnight on Sunday 1^st June 2025.