The Environment Agency plays an important role in the resilience of England, protecting and improving the environment while supporting sustainable growth. As a Category 1 Civil Contingencies responder, we work with government, emergency services, local authorities and other partners to prepare for, respond to and recover from major incidents, including flooding and pollution. 

We are now seeking an exceptional senior operational leader to become Director of Incident Management, Operational Risk and Resilience. This nationally significant role leads a function of approximately 430 colleagues and provides strategic leadership for the Environment Agency’s responsibilities as a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act. 

Reporting to the Executive Director for Operations, the postholder will ensure the Environment Agency is prepared, capable and resilient in responding to major incidents, emergencies and national operational risks. They will oversee incident preparedness, response, recovery and organisational learning, while leading a diverse portfolio including the National Flood Warning Service, Operational Risk, Resilience Assurance, Digital and Data Services, and Incident Management Transformation. 

Operating at the heart of the UK resilience framework, the Director will work closely with Defra, government departments, Local Resilience Forums, emergency services and other responder organisations. The role will represent the Environment Agency with Ministers, MPs, senior officials and external partners, particularly during major incidents and high-profile events. 

As a member of the Operations Leadership Team, the Director will contribute to the collective leadership of Operations and, following accreditation, undertake National Duty Manager responsibilities, providing strategic leadership during major incidents and taking gold command for national operational risks. 

We are looking for a senior leader with substantial experience of leading complex operational, incident management, emergency response, resilience or civil contingencies functions. You will bring a strong track record of leading through major incidents, managing operational risk, strengthening organisational resilience and working effectively across government and partner organisations. You will combine sound judgement, strong stakeholder management skills and experience of leading large, multidisciplinary teams in complex and high-profile environments. 

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a nationally important function and help strengthen the Environment Agency’s response to some of the most significant environmental and operational challenges facing England. 

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 an inclusive workplace where everyone can perform at their best. 

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency adviser to the Environment Agency on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference OBRZR. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 12^th October.