Environment Agency

We are the Environment Agency, working to protect and improve the environment and reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife. From reducing flood and coastal erosion risks, improving water quality and supply, and protecting land and habitats, to helping businesses comply with environmental regulations, our work touches every part of life. We work in partnership with government, local councils, businesses, civil society, and communities to make our environment a better place for people and nature. Our people are central to this mission, and we are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and helping our teams find new ways of working to deliver lasting impact.

We are recruiting for a Deputy Director of Data Services and Assurance to lead the delivery of robust, compliant, and high-performing data and information management services to the Environment Agency. This role is responsible for ensuring the organisation’s data assets are well-governed, accessible, secure, and used effectively to support business decisions, public transparency, operational effectiveness, and statutory compliance. The Deputy Director of Data Services and Assurance will oversee the Agency’s AI and automation strategy, working closely with key delivery partners, Defra and the wider Civil Service. They will provide oversight for AI pilots and robotic process automation initiatives, setting the guardrails for responsible use, assessing risks, and ensuring effective mobilisation and scaling of new capabilities.

They will also design and run the Agency’s innovation incubator, overseeing the identification, prototyping, and scaling of new tools and approaches. They will play a critical role in embedding transformation, optimising toolsets, and ensuring the Agency can leverage data and technology to meet its mission.

We are seeking an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of leading large, multidisciplinary data management teams and delivering operational excellence in complex, regulated environments. You will bring strong hands-on expertise in data quality, analytics, operational data platforms, and records management, alongside experience designing and assuring data governance frameworks and managing compliance with data protection and privacy laws. You will demonstrate the ability to manage risks, deliver service improvements, and ensure continuity of critical services. Strong resource management and budgeting skills, the ability to deliver collaboratively with external suppliers and in matrix environments, and exceptional communication skills to engage confidently with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders are essential.

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 OBRZG. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 17^th September.