The Environment Agency (EA) plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing England’s environment – from managing flood and coastal risk to regulating industry, safeguarding water resources and supporting sustainable growth. Operating in an increasingly complex risk landscape, the EA works with government, businesses and communities to create a better place for people and wildlife.

The EA is now seeking an exceptional senior leader to join its organisation as Deputy Director, Corporate Management, Assurance & Security (DD CMAS). This is a high-profile role at the heart of the EA’s organisational resilience, security and corporate governance, with responsibility for ensuring the Agency can operate safely, lawfully and effectively in the face of growing strategic, security and operational risks.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate and National Services, the DD CMAS brings together corporate management, assurance, security and business continuity into a single, integrated function. As the EA’s senior security lead, the postholder will provide authoritative leadership on physical, personnel, cyber and information security, including oversight of critical national infrastructure and preparedness for major disruption.

Alongside this, the role oversees the Agency’s corporate management interface with Defra group Corporate Services, providing assurance to the Accounting Officer, Board and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee on governance, performance, commercial, value for money and risk. The postholder will build strong partnerships across the EA and Defra group, acting as a trusted senior adviser and corporate conscience within a complex delivery landscape.

This is a demanding and influential leadership position requiring sound judgement, credibility and resilience under pressure. The successful candidate will be confident presenting complex risks and recommendations to Boards and senior committees, and adept at working across organisational boundaries to drive improvement and assurance at scale.

The Deputy Director will role-model inclusive leadership, lead multidisciplinary teams across the country, and contribute to the Agency’s ambition to strengthen diversity at senior levels. This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior leader motivated by public service, organisational resilience and national impact.

Diversity and inclusion are central to the Environment Agency’s success. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

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 OBRZJ. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 19^th February.