Social Science Manager and Head of Profession - 36345
Are you passionate about using social science to solve complex environmental challenges? We're looking for an experienced leader to champion social science across the organisation and ensure evidence shapes better decisions for people, places and the environment.
As Head of Social Science, you will set the strategic direction for the future of social science and research in the EA. You'll grow professional capability, support career development, and build a thriving network of social scientists across the organisation. You'll represent the organisation externally, maintaining strong relationships with government departments, academia and research partners, and contributing to cross-government initiatives, including emergency preparedness and response.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who can influence at senior levels, inspire teams, and translate complex evidence into clear, actionable advice, ensuring the work the EA does is informed by the latest social science insights.
You'll be responsible for
- Leading the social science profession and developing capability across the organisation.
- Setting the strategic direction for the future of social science and research in the EA.
- Linking into cross-government social science and analysis
- Managing and inspiring a team of social science specialists.
- Delivering impactful social science research, insight and evidence.
- Building partnerships across government, academia and the research community.
- Representing the organisation as a recognised social science expert.
- Supporting emergency response through social and behavioural science expertise.
- Championing workforce development, inclusion, coaching and mentoring.
The Team
You'll lead a small team of social scientists, delivering high-quality research, insight and advice that informs major priorities including flooding, water resources and quality, pollution, regulation and climate change.
Working with senior leaders, scientists, economists and policy teams, you'll turn social science evidence into practical solutions that improve outcomes and increase public acceptance of interventions.
Experience/Skills Required:
We're looking for someone with
- Strong social science expertise and credibility.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategy, ideally in government or large organisations.
- A track record of applying evidence to real-world challenges.
- Established social science networks and relationships and the ability to build networks and partnerships across organisations.
- Experience in attracting and delivering research grants.
The capabilities that we’ll be asking for in this role are:
- Leads People: Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
- Scientific Knowledge: Applies social science knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
- Influences and Persuades Others: Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.
- Builds and Sustains Relationships: Develops and maintains effective working relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
Contact and Additional Information
We welcome applications from anywhere in the country. Current team members are based across England. The team has regular virtual meetings. Occasional travel to central locations for face to face meetings is expected.
For further information, please contact Jacqui Cotton, [email protected] or Peter Bailey, [email protected]
Competence 1
Leads People
Competence 1 Description
Can you provide an example of when you have provided leadership that inspired and motivated others to achieve their personal goals and organisational goals.
Competence 2
Scientific Knowledge
Competence 2 Description
Can you provide an example of when and how you have provided sound, science-based evidence to internal and external customers.
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Competence 3 Description
Can you provide an example of when you have planned and used social research and evidence to influence strategic decisions or outcomes.
Competence 4
Builds and Sustains Relationships
Competence 4 Description
Can you provide an example of when you have developed and maintained effective working relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
