Job Description We are looking for five inspiring individuals to join us as Area Directors at the Environment Agency, guiding dedicated, values-driven teams across England. As an Area Director, you will play a vital role in our mission to protect the environment and support our communities. You’ll empower teams to implement our EA Business Plan and respond effectively to incidents, whilst ensuring that our collective efforts prioritise sustainability and inclusivity. You will: Lead Operational Delivery in Area: You will lead through and oversee multi-skilled individuals and navigate various legislative objectives. You will have a clear picture of the delivery priorities in your Area and collaboration with others will be vital. Engage with a Variety of Stakeholders: You will manage relationships with Ministers, business leaders, MPs, local authorities, and community members. Your ability to empathise, understand their challenges, and communicate clearly the role of the Environment Agency will be essential. Prioritise Health, Safety and Well-being: Your commitment to fostering a safe work environment and effective risk management will be key to success in the role. Embed a Culture of Inclusion: Your ability to role model and inspire an inclusive culture will be an integral part of the role. Enabling and encouraging diverse voices to be heard in our decision making will also be key. Make Informed Decisions: You will need to make decisions as issues arise, using the best available evidence, understanding the consequences and escalating risks where appropriate. Drive Innovation and Improvement: You will enable a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring we strive to be a high performing delivery body in government. Collaborate with Peers: You will work alongside peers and national strategic teams in Flood and Coastal Risk Management and Environment and Business, influencing changes that enhance operational delivery. The team Now is the time for proactive environmental stewardship, and we want you to be part of this transformative journey. Join a team committed to making a difference. You will oversee an Area Leadership Team and work alongside 18 other Area Directors, collectively managing more than 7,000 professionals dedicated to creating a better future. Experience/skills Required If you’re ready to lead the way towards a sustainable future and make a difference in our communities and the environment, we want to hear from you We’re seeking individuals who understand the importance of strong leadership in environmental protection and community service. To succeed in this role you should possess: Extensive Leadership Experience: Proven success in operational environments, demonstrating your ability to inspire teams to deliver. Strategic Thinking Skills: A knack for delivering business improvements and navigating complex challenges. Calmness Under Pressure: The ability to communicate effectively and foster collaboration even in high-stress situations. Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: Skills to build consensus among senior stakeholders and support your team’s growth. Commitment to Health, Safety and Well-being: A passion for creating a culture of safety and developing others. Awareness of Incident Management: An understanding of in crisis management and large-scale incident response will be valuable. Contact and additional information This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in one of our Areas: East Anglia, Wessex, West Midlands, East Midlands, or Yorkshire. This role will involve regular travel within your Area and to other Environment Agency offices, such as London and Birmingham, with occasional overnight stays. Please download the candidate pack for full details including how to apply and ensure that you specify which Area Director Role(s) you would like to be considered for in order of preference. We will be running a virtual briefing session for those interested in applying on 4 November 2024. Invitations can be acquired by emailing: SCSexecresourcingdefra.gov.uk Candidate assessments will take place 10 and 11 December 2024. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates. If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team. We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.