Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National, South West
City/Town: All
Grade: Staff Grade 6
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £52,929
Closing Date: 24/01/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 30052.docx – 59KB
Converted File Job Profile – 30052.docx.pdf – 91KB
Job description attachment 2
E&B Additional Information Pack.pdf – 1853KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30052.docx – 2042KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30052.docx.pdf – 716KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
This is your chance to join us to influence and improve the environmental performance of water companies. We are looking for an individual with an excellent understanding of the water industry and how it impacts the environment to join our national Operations Catchment Services department as a Principal Account Officer.
In this role you will provide expert support to the water company account manager for the following:
- Managing the operational relationship with water and sewerage companies and/or water only companies.
- Leading virtual teams of national and local operational colleagues to bring together intelligence and monitor risks to improve water company performance.
- Reporting on performance trends and developing company specific action plans
- Providing a support service to directors and senior managers who lead the strategic relationship with companies.
- Working closely with colleagues to ensure effective application of regulatory policy and delivery of environmental objectives in a consistent way across the sector.
Account management teams are responsible for keeping a comprehensive overview of water company environmental performance and their strategic plans to influence improvements and future investment. This includes the Ofwat price review, water resources management plans, drainage and wastewater management plans and pollution incident reduction plans.
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
The team
You’ll join the South West account management team, one of five across the country working with key customers internally and externally on water company planning and performance. The team is part of the Operations Catchment Services department which uses evidence, expertise and innovation to drive performance and influence investment. We’re a friendly, dispersed team that uses smart tools to stay connected. Some travel and overnight stays may be required.
Experience/skills required
We are looking for candidates with either a degree in an environmental discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
Please demonstrate you have the following skills and experience:
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of water company operations, regulation and/or planning.
- Excellent organisational skills and able to manage multiple and complex activities
- flexible working style and able to work at pace when required.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Excellent customer focus, with an ability to build respectful, working relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
- An ability to influence others at a senior level
- The ability to manage and present data and information effectively
- Comprehensive knowledge of the environmental pressures impacting on the water environment
- Analytical thinking, able to review a situation to identify potential issues and solutions.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances. Appropriate training will be given.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please see Candidate / Additional Information Pack for more information. Any queries, contact OCSAdmin@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Please provide your best example of a professional achievement as a result of influencing and persuading someone.
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Whilst working with an external partner or customer, please describe how you have tailored your communication style to meet the requirements of a specific individual or situation.
Competence 3: Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Describe how you prioritise and manage your workload to ensure delivery when you have multiple competing demands.
Competence 4: Business knowledge and communication environment
Description
Working with water companies and driving improvements in performance
Describe your experience and skills of the regulatory and planning framework for the water industry. Explain what you see as your key skill for this role
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.
