Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£100,000 per annum

About the Role
The Environment Agency (EA) plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing England’s environment — from improving air and water quality, to regulating industry, managing waste, and supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy. As a world-class regulator, the EA works at the intersection of environment, economy and society, helping to create a greener, more resilient future for people, nature and business. The Environment Agency is now seeking an exceptional leader to join its Environment and Business Directorate as Director of Energy and Resources. This is a pivotal and outward-facing role, leading the EA’s strategy and regulation across energy, waste, resources, chemicals and manufacturing — sectors that are critical to the UK’s ambitions for net zero, sustainable growth and industrial resilience. Reporting to the Executive Director of Environment and Business, the postholder will lead a multi-disciplinary Directorate of around 260 staff and oversee a budget of approximately £36 million, with responsibility for a further £122 million of regulatory income. Working closely with government departments and senior industry leaders, the Director will shape and deliver regulatory strategies that both protect the environment and enable innovation, clean energy and growth. The role combines strategic leadership, policy influence and delivery oversight. The successful candidate will advise the Executive Directors Team and Board on risks, opportunities and long-term direction across these vital sectors — ensuring that the EA’s regulatory regimes remain world-leading, proportionate and forward-looking. This is a high-profile role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and credibility. The EA is an organisation committed to innovation, inclusion and transformation. The Director of Energy and Resources will play a key role in ensuring that the Agency remains a trusted, evidence-based regulator — championing new ideas, digital tools and partnerships that strengthen performance, transparency and impact. This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic and influential leader who wants to make a lasting contribution to the UK’s environmental future — helping to deliver cleaner growth, support the transition to net zero, and protect communities for generations to come. Diversity and inclusion are central to the Environment Agency’s success. The organisation welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experiences, and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

Experience
Significant experience working within or alongside central government, regulators or industry. Proven ability to operate effectively with ministers, senior officials and CEOs. Demonstrated strategic insight combined with the ability to engage with technical detail and translate national priorities into practical outcomes.

About you
Exceptional judgement, political awareness and credibility. Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead a large multi-disciplinary team. A strategic and influential leader committed to innovation, inclusion and transformation. Able to champion new ideas, digital tools and partnerships to strengthen performance, transparency and impact.

Qualifications
Relevant senior leadership experience in energy, waste, resources, chemicals, manufacturing or related sectors. Experience in regulatory strategy and delivery at a senior level is essential.