Location
City of Westminster

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£81,000 - £85,000 per annum

About the Role
This is a unique opportunity to join the Environment Agency as Deputy Director, Thames Strategy & Partnerships within the Thames Programme Delivery Directorate. You will play a pivotal role in shaping 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 develop long-term strategy, business cases, funding approaches, and partnerships to support the Thames Estuary 2100 programme and major investment across the River Thames. At a critical stage in programme development, you will help define the pathway for multi-billion-pound investment decisions that protect communities, infrastructure, and economic growth for generations.

This highly influential role operates 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 shape the future of one of the UK's most important resilience programmes.

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 expected to become increasingly prominent within the government's major projects portfolio. It is a chance to make a lasting impact on the resilience of London and the Thames Estuary in the face of climate change.

Benefits
Substantial pension scheme, generous annual leave including up to two days’ paid environmental outcome days each year, flexible working patterns to support a good work-life balance, and access to employee networks and forums that foster an inclusive culture.

Experience
- Significant experience leading the development and delivery of major programmes, infrastructure projects, or strategic initiatives, including governance, assurance, and risk management frameworks.
- Proven track record securing investment and approvals through major business cases, funding proposals, and Spending Review submissions.
- 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.
- Experience leading, developing, and motivating high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced environments.

About you
- Exceptional strategic leader with strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and excellent communication skills, including preparing high-quality ministerial briefings, advice, and recommendations.
- Political awareness and ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining focus on long-term outcomes.
- Commitment to professional development and organisational credibility.

Qualifications
- Senior leadership experience at Deputy Director level or equivalent, with a track record of establishing, mobilising, and leading major infrastructure programmes from early development stages is desirable.
- Experience leading large-scale feasibility studies, options appraisals, and strategic planning, including securing major funding or investment approvals through engagement with HM Treasury and other stakeholders is desirable.
- Strong understanding of infrastructure planning and delivery, including consenting, land acquisition, and regulatory processes, preferably within infrastructure, transport, engineering, environmental resilience, or related sectors.
- Demonstrable programme leadership and willingness to work towards MPLA accreditation or equivalent is desirable.