Environment Agency Deputy Director, Thames Strategy & Partnerships

The Environment Agency are seeking a Deputy Director, Thames Strategy & Partnerships to join our Thames Programme Delivery Directorate. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of flood resilience for London, the Thames Estuary and the wider River Thames through leadership of some of the UK's most significant and ambitious infrastructure programmes.

Reporting to the Director of Thames Programme Delivery, you will play a pivotal role in developing the long-term strategy, business cases, funding approaches and partnerships required to support the future of the Thames Estuary 2100 programme and major investment across the River Thames. At a crucial stage in programme development, you will help define the pathway for multi-billion-pound investment decisions that will protect communities, infrastructure and economic growth for generations to come.

This is a highly influential role operating at the intersection of policy, strategy, infrastructure and government. You will lead engagement across Whitehall, working closely with HM Treasury, Defra and other government departments to secure support for future investment programmes and Spending Reviews. You will also build trusted relationships with Ministers, local authorities, delivery partners and industry leaders to help shape the future of one of the UK's most important resilience programmes.

We are looking for an exceptional strategic leader with experience of developing major programmes, securing investment and operating in complex stakeholder environments. You may have gained your experience in central government, infrastructure, transport, energy, environmental resilience or another major project setting. Most importantly, you will bring strategic judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining focus on long-term outcomes.

The role offers the opportunity to lead major feasibility and options development work, influence national investment decisions, and help shape the future delivery model for programmes that are expected to become increasingly prominent within government's major projects portfolio. It is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the resilience of London and the Thames Estuary in the face of climate change

For more information, please see our candidate pack

The successful Executive Director, Strategy, Transformation & Assurance will possess:

Essential

Significant experience leading the development and delivery of major programmes, infrastructure projects or strategic

initiatives, including establishing effective governance, assurance and risk management frameworks.

Proven experience securing investment and approvals through the development of major business cases, funding

proposals, Spending Review submissions or equivalent.

Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, with experience working across Whitehall and

navigating complex political and organisational environments.

Demonstrable ability to influence and build credibility with senior stakeholders, including Ministers, senior officials,

executive leaders and delivery partners.

Strong strategic thinking, sound judgement and excellent communication skills, including the preparation of high-quality

ministerial briefings, advice and recommendations.

Experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced environments.

Desirable

Senior leadership experience at Deputy Director level or equivalent, with a track record of establishing, mobilising and

leading major infrastructure programmes from an early stage of development.

Experience leading large-scale feasibility studies, options appraisals and strategic planning activity, including securing

major funding or investment approvals through engagement with HM Treasury and other key stakeholders.

Strong understanding of infrastructure planning and delivery, including knowledge of consenting, land acquisition,

regulatory processes, and experience within infrastructure, transport, engineering, environmental resilience or related

sectors.

Demonstrable programme leadership, organisational credibility and commitment to professional development, including

MPLA accreditation or a willingness to work towards accreditation.