Strategic Resource Options Programme Lead - 35760

We have an exciting opportunity to lead the Environment Agency's strategic engagement on some of the UK's most significant water infrastructure programmes. 

We are seeking an experienced and influential Programme/Project Lead to act as the Environment Agency's single point of contact for a portfolio of connected Water Resource Strategic Resource Options (SROs). This is a high-profile leadership role, bringing together regulatory, technical and stakeholder interests to ensure successful progression of major water resource schemes. 

As the programme's account manager, you will maintain a complete overview of each SRO, coordinating multiple workstreams and ensuring effective regulatory input at every stage of development. Working closely with Area Directors, leadership teams, water companies and partner organisations, you will shape strategic direction, align regulatory activity and help deliver sustainable solutions for future water resilience. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic leadership by defining and communicating Area ambition for SRO schemes, balancing opportunities, risks and regulatory outcomes. 

• Coordinate resources and expertise, ensuring the right skills, teams and partners are engaged at the right time to support programme delivery. 

• Manage programme-level risks, anticipating issues early, resolving barriers and escalating concerns that could impact regulatory progress. 

• Build strong stakeholder relationships with water companies, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and internal teams to drive collaboration and delivery. 

• Provide clear reporting and governance updates to senior leaders, programme boards, RAPID and other key forums. 

• Steer technical coordination, overseeing SRO Coordinators and ensuring technical requirements are understood, planned and delivered effectively. 

• Champion consistent communications and engagement, working with specialist teams to ensure clear, coordinated messaging and support across all channels. 

This role would suit a strategic programme leader with strong stakeholder management, risk management and organisational skills, capable of bringing people together to solve complex challenges and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes. 

The Team

You’ll join our Strategic Coordination Team that sits within the Water Infrastructure Delivery Programme.    

The team is the EA point of contact into companies proposing Water Infrastructure supply schemes (reservoirs, water recycling schemes, large scale transfers and desalination) and to RAPID.   

The team understands the collective need and shapes and commissions the work needed from the wider team and throughout the programme, including escalating cross cutting issues for resolution.  

Experience/Skills Required

Experience of managing a large project or programme is essential, along with experience in identifying and managing risk, including escalating issues through governance routes when required.  

A background in water resources planning and related processes would be beneficial but is not essential. Experience of working with Directors and senior groups to resolve issues would also be advantageous. 

Key skills include: 

• Proactive and tenacious in solving problems and identifying routes to resolution. 

• Able to build strong relationships, for example with water companies, RAPID and senior internal stakeholders. 

• Capable of influencing and persuading others through a compelling articulation of requirements. 

• Communicates clearly and concisely, including preparing papers suitable for Executive Directors. 

• Connects and engages effectively with others to share information and gain support. 

• Delivers work effectively through virtual teams and groups. 

Contact and Additional Information

• You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role and appropriate training will be given. 
• You’ll have an EA Office base location although, as a national role, the working location is flexible/hybrid.  
•  We use smart tools to stay connected/reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required. 
•  Please read the Candidate Pack for information. Any queries, contact elliot.tinton@environment-agency.gov.uk 
• Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.  
• Interviews are expected to take place in person, between 7th and 18th and December, location and interview format to be confirmed to shortlisted candidates. 
• If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. 

Competence 1

Leads People

Competence 1 Description

• Definition: Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
• QUESTION:  How would you describe your leadership style and how would you use it to best effect to be successful in this role?
• More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

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

Competence 2 Description

Definition: Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.

QUESTION:  Describe a time when you delivered a critical outcome through people who did not report to you and had competing priorities. How did you gain their support, align priorities and achieve the required result?

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Competence 3

Programme and Project Management

Competence 3 Description

Definition: Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.

QUESTION:  Tell us about a project or a programme of work that you have led or had senior involvement with. What steps did you put in place to maintain an overview of progress, foresee risks and unblock issues?

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Competence 4

Influences and Persuades Others

Competence 4 Description

Definition: Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

QUESTION: Describe a situation where you have been instrumental in persuading a critical stakeholder to pursue a specific challenging course of action, explaining the techniques you used to influence their decision.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.