Project Manager - 34255
West Malling, England, United Kingdom Full-time Posted 1 week ago
Job Description
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
We are looking for Project Managers to lead and deliver exciting, innovative projects that reduce the risk of flooding to communities and enhance the environment across the South-East.
This role sits in Programme and Project Delivery (PPD) team and is a prominent position within our integrated project teams, taking responsibility for the management of projects as the Client project manager, or working alongside senior colleagues. The role holder will manage the project delivery process from initial strategic planning, through to feasibility, detailed design and then into implementation, construction and handover. You will support project team members, flexing your involvement to suit the strength of the team.
You will build a great working environment to create high performing teams including our suppliers, client representatives, technical specialists and other partners. Applying your strong commercial acumen in project, contract and risk management, you will establish effective relationships, facilitating collaborative and efficient ways of working. You will make project decisions informed by technical leads whilst following governance procedures, project assurance and legislation.
The ability to develop a resilient network of relationships with stakeholders such as statutory authorities, landowners and local communities to negotiate agreements, consents, approvals and external funding is crucial.
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 support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role
The team
We are PPD), creating a better place through excellence in project and programme management.
Our team provides the Environment Agency with effective project and programme management, managing projects throughout their lifecycle, delivering flood risk management, environmental improvements and shared ownership with local communities.
This post sites within a team of Project Executives and Support Officers who manage the day-to-day delivery of projects within our flood and coastal erosion risk management programme.
Experience/skills Required
Essential:
A degree (or equivalent) in an engineering, environmental or geography related discipline.
Experience of working in a formal project and contract management environment, ideally within engineering, environmental, construction and/or flood and coastal risk management.
Experience managing contracts ideally NEC4.
A track record for delivering results on technically challenging projects through coordination of a technical team.
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills are a essential as relationship management of both internal and external stakeholders is an important aspect of the role to ensure a collaborative environment.
Desirable:
Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 or APM).
Ideally chartered or working towards chartered membership of a professional body such as ICE, CIWEM or APMP.
Areas of expertise that would support role include: hydrology, river modelling, feasibility assessment, asset management, business case development, cost monitoring/forecasting, scope preparation, CDM, engineering design and construction.
Contact and additional information
Please note, this role does NOT qualify for sponsorship, so you should contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration, where you can seek professional advice based on your personal circumstances in regard to options for obtaining right to work in the UK.
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development
Base location can be flexible within the South East Hub but with an expectation of co-locating in Hub or delivery partner offices occasionally.
For further information please contact: Zane.Gunton@environment-agency.gov.uk 07795857747
Interviews due to take place w/c: 6th July 2026
Competence 1
Programme and Project Management
Description
Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
"Question:
Tell us about a project or a programme of work that you have been involved in. describe your role and tell us what tools, systems and processed you have used to keep track of progress and performance. Where possible include experience of commissioning external resources for your project."
"PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview."
"
Competence 2
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. "
"Question:
Give an example of when your team had to deliver a major project or piece of work.
Competence 3
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. "
"Question:
Describe a situation where you have needed to balance the needs of a variety of stakeholders with differing drivers to reach a successful outcome on one of your projects, how did you manage relationships throughout."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
Competence 4
Leads People
Description
Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection."
"Question:
Describe a time when you have had to inspire your team to perform in the face of unwelcome change."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
We are looking for Project Managers to lead and deliver exciting, innovative projects that reduce the risk of flooding to communities and enhance the environment across the South-East.
This role sits in Programme and Project Delivery (PPD) team and is a prominent position within our integrated project teams, taking responsibility for the management of projects as the Client project manager, or working alongside senior colleagues. The role holder will manage the project delivery process from initial strategic planning, through to feasibility, detailed design and then into implementation, construction and handover. You will support project team members, flexing your involvement to suit the strength of the team.
You will build a great working environment to create high performing teams including our suppliers, client representatives, technical specialists and other partners. Applying your strong commercial acumen in project, contract and risk management, you will establish effective relationships, facilitating collaborative and efficient ways of working. You will make project decisions informed by technical leads whilst following governance procedures, project assurance and legislation.
The ability to develop a resilient network of relationships with stakeholders such as statutory authorities, landowners and local communities to negotiate agreements, consents, approvals and external funding is crucial.
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 support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role
The team
We are PPD), creating a better place through excellence in project and programme management.
Our team provides the Environment Agency with effective project and programme management, managing projects throughout their lifecycle, delivering flood risk management, environmental improvements and shared ownership with local communities.
This post sites within a team of Project Executives and Support Officers who manage the day-to-day delivery of projects within our flood and coastal erosion risk management programme.
Experience/skills Required
Essential:
A degree (or equivalent) in an engineering, environmental or geography related discipline.
Experience of working in a formal project and contract management environment, ideally within engineering, environmental, construction and/or flood and coastal risk management.
Experience managing contracts ideally NEC4.
A track record for delivering results on technically challenging projects through coordination of a technical team.
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills are a essential as relationship management of both internal and external stakeholders is an important aspect of the role to ensure a collaborative environment.
Desirable:
Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 or APM).
Ideally chartered or working towards chartered membership of a professional body such as ICE, CIWEM or APMP.
Areas of expertise that would support role include: hydrology, river modelling, feasibility assessment, asset management, business case development, cost monitoring/forecasting, scope preparation, CDM, engineering design and construction.
Contact and additional information
Please note, this role does NOT qualify for sponsorship, so you should contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration, where you can seek professional advice based on your personal circumstances in regard to options for obtaining right to work in the UK.
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development
Base location can be flexible within the South East Hub but with an expectation of co-locating in Hub or delivery partner offices occasionally.
For further information please contact: Zane.Gunton@environment-agency.gov.uk 07795857747
Interviews due to take place w/c: 6th July 2026
Competence 1
Programme and Project Management
Description
Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
"Question:
Tell us about a project or a programme of work that you have been involved in. describe your role and tell us what tools, systems and processed you have used to keep track of progress and performance. Where possible include experience of commissioning external resources for your project."
"PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview."
"
Competence 2
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. "
"Question:
Give an example of when your team had to deliver a major project or piece of work.
- How did you organise the team’s activities for the project.
- What methods did you use to ensure that activities were completed on time and to the required standard?
- What was the outcome?
- What did you learn from this experience?"
Competence 3
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. "
"Question:
Describe a situation where you have needed to balance the needs of a variety of stakeholders with differing drivers to reach a successful outcome on one of your projects, how did you manage relationships throughout."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
Competence 4
Leads People
Description
Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection."
"Question:
Describe a time when you have had to inspire your team to perform in the face of unwelcome change."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
