The Environment Agency plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing England’s environment – from improving water quality and tackling pollution, to building resilience to climate change and supporting sustainable economic growth. Working at the intersection of environment, economy and society, we are a national delivery body with over 13,000 employees committed to creating a better place for people and wildlife.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Executive Director, Strategy, Transformation & Assurance (STA). This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, with responsibility for shaping strategic direction, driving transformation and ensuring the Agency operates as a high-performing, integrated and outcome-focused organisation.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Executive Director, STA will play a central role in aligning strategy with delivery across a large, complex and high-profile national organisation. Bringing together strategy, transformation, governance, assurance and oversight of corporate services, the postholder will ensure the organisation operates as a coherent system, with clear accountability and a sustained focus on outcomes for communities and the environment.

The role sits at the intersection of delivery and government. Operating in a politically sensitive and fast-evolving context, the successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Executive, Chair and Board to navigate competing priorities, support effective decision-making and maintain organisational focus and performance. Building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, including Defra, will be critical.

A key part of the role will be leading and coordinating organisational transformation - ensuring that change is prioritised, coherent and delivers meaningful improvements in capability, performance and efficiency. The Executive Director, STA will also provide leadership oversight of corporate services, ensuring these functions are aligned, effective and enable delivery, with a focus on integration rather than functional silos.

This is a broad and hands-on executive role, requiring a leader who can combine external influence with strong internal grip. You will be comfortable operating in ambiguity, able to exercise sound judgement in a complex environment, and focused on maintaining performance while driving long-term improvement.

We are looking for an outstanding leader with a strong track record of delivery in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. You will bring experience of working within or alongside government or regulated contexts, with the ability to navigate political priorities and public scrutiny. You will also have sufficient experience of transformation and corporate services to provide confident oversight and challenge, alongside a clear focus on operational outcomes and organisational performance.

The Environment Agency is committed to innovation, inclusion and transformation. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

Role Briefing

Candidates will have the opportunity to find out more about the role via a virtual briefing session on 8^th July at 14.00 – 15.00.

Joining Link:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/315119897481655?p=S8Q7Ke8Ks1Hc78N2Wz

Meeting ID: 315 119 897 481 655

Passcode: x2xi2fV3

Please note that this not part of the formal assessment process; it is intended to give candidates the opportunity to learn more about the appointment and the Environment Agency.

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 roles.saxbam.com using reference OBRZO. Applications should be received by 09:00 on Monday 20th July.