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 water quality and tackling pollution, to supporting sustainable economic growth and building resilience to the impacts of climate change. As a world-class regulator and delivery organisation, the EA works at the intersection of environment, economy and society, helping to create a greener, more resilient future for all. The Agency is now seeking an outstanding leader to join its Executive team as Director of Strategy. Sitting at the heart of the organisation, this is a pivotal role that shapes the EA’s long-term direction, strengthens its relationship with government, and ensures the organisation remains high-performing, innovative and trusted. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategy, Transformation and Assurance, and serving as a full member of the Executive Committee (EDT), the Director of Strategy leads a multi-disciplinary Directorate of around 180 people covering strategy, governance and engagement, communications, economics, future funding, planning and performance. The postholder will drive the implementation of the EA’s new organisational strategy, EA2030, oversee the Agency’s governance and performance frameworks, and lead its strategic relationship with DEFRA, ministers and other key stakeholders across Whitehall. This is a uniquely influential role requiring exceptional political awareness, strategic judgement and communication skills. The successful candidate will bring deep experience of operating within or alongside central government, and the credibility to engage confidently with ministers, non-executives and senior leaders across the public sector. They will combine intellectual rigour with practical delivery — able to translate complex political, financial and environmental issues into clear, actionable strategies that improve outcomes for people and nature. The EA is an organisation committed to innovation, inclusion and transformation. The new Director of Strategy will play a key role in helping the Agency modernise - championing new ideas, digital tools and ways of working that strengthen performance, transparency and impact. This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic leader who wants to make a real difference to the environment, public policy and national life. Diversity and inclusion are central to the Environment Agency’s success. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

Experience
Extensive experience operating within or alongside central government, with a proven track record of engaging confidently with ministers, non-executives and senior public sector leaders. Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams and deliver complex strategic initiatives.

About you
Exceptional political awareness, strategic judgement and communication skills. Intellectual rigour combined with practical delivery focus. Ability to translate complex political, financial and environmental issues into clear, actionable strategies. A champion of innovation, inclusion and transformation, with a passion for modernising organisations through new ideas, digital tools and improved ways of working.

Qualifications
Relevant senior leadership experience in public sector or related fields is essential. Formal qualifications are not specified but a strong background in strategy, governance, or related disciplines is expected.