Environment Agency

The Environment Agency values difference. That is why we are fully committed to being an inclusive employer. 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. 

The Deputy Director of Digital and Services manages the strategic direction, delivery, and transformation of digital services within the Environment Agency. You will ensure the effective use of digital technologies to enhance public service delivery, improve user experience, and drive operational efficiency. You will ensure we have a digital vision and associated strategic plan aligned to our corporate strategy and will maintain oversight of delivery. Whilst the team is relatively small, its role in setting and assuring frameworks and standards will mean its impact is across the whole organisation.  

You will manage the development of a new team to help design our end to end services, as well as deliver our Digital & IT vision and strategy. And manage the evolution of the team to ensure it can meet future needs, including developing business cases, Spending Review bids and evolved ways of working.  

This role will manage the DEFRA group corporate services DDTS (Digital, Data and Technology Services) interface services and associated relationships. They will take an Intelligent Partner approach to agreeing service expectations, ensuring they are aligned. The postholder works collaboratively with other senior managers within the Environment Agency and Defra Group (esp. DDTS) to embed a digital-first culture across the organisation.   

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity help during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to help you with your incident role.  

The Team  

Our mission is to transform the Environment Agency into a digitally enabled powerhouse. As the change centre of excellence, we manage the EA’s transformation portfolio and provide oversight and assurance for other portfolios. We lead in data management, digital innovation, and portfolio management, ensuring alignment with modern digital requirements. You will collaborate with the Chief Data Officer and Deputy Director of Transformation to achieve our goals.  

Experience/Skills Required  

Whilst the role will be managing a team of experts, a proven background is required in digital, service design and/or management, with a proven track record of managing successful digital initiatives as professional credibility is required when dealing with the data regulators and other key external stakeholders. You will be familiar with the government Service Standard and Service Manual. Qualifications may include a degree in computer or data science, or digital transformation. Additional certifications may include ITIL and project management.     

Leadership experience will demonstrate:    

• Proven ability to develop organisational and business knowledge at pace.   

• Ability to successfully engage at a senior level internally and externally with demonstrable success in developing and delivering corporate strategies.   

• Proven experience of crisis management, re-prioritising resources, working under pressure and at pace during national situations.    

• Experience of providing strategic guidance to senior managers within a large and complex organisation.    

• Ability to influence senior managers and develop strategies through to implementation and action.  

Contact and Additional Information  

As part of a national team the location is flexible. You may be required to work in EA offices and attend national meetings, possibly with some overnight stays. You’ll understand and be comfortable with the challenges of remote working and management.  

The post is full time but requests for other work patterns will be considered.  

Assessments will take place at our Reading Office. The assessment will include an interview and a staff engagement panel. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.  

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 OBRZC. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 2nd June.