Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: Various
Grade: Staff Grade 6
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Programme and Project Management
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time
Salary Minimum: £54,940
Closing Date: 08/06/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
BS06 Job Family Role Profile Business Support Services, Grade 6
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 34575.docx – 6580KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 34575.docx.pdf – 2180KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Strategic Water Resource Options team within Environment and Business (E&B) as a Programme Manager. The team leads the development of new water supply infrastructure to support long‑term water resilience.
As Programme Manager, you will map out and oversee the end-to-end regulatory requirements expected of us as water company infrastructure schemes progress through necessary stages of development. You will identify risks and issues and establish project approaches around these, enabling their successful resolution ahead of the needs of the programme.
You will lead the programme team, providing clear direction and support, and work closely with project managers and subject matter experts. You will oversee programme‑level risk and issue management, escalating key risks to the Water Portfolio Board and securing appropriate support from our Directors where required. A key part of the role initially will be to fully embed the agreed governance structure to enable rapid escalation and decision making.
External engagement will also be important in this role. You will maintain routine links with RAPID and Ofwat Major Projects, making efficient use of shared information where appropriate. You will also need to engage with water companies to understand the full picture of programme challenges and to link with and share information with similar roles.
An understanding of water resource planning, infrastructure delivery or regulatory processes is important, alongside strong communication and organisational skills.
The role is aligned to the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF). Further information is available on GOV.UK by searching “Project Delivery Capability Framework”.
This is a national role supporting a geographically dispersed team and can be based at any EA office. Occasional national travel and overnight stays will be required.
The team
The Water Resource Infrastructure Programme Team (WRIPT) sits within the Water Directorate, supporting delivery of nationally important water supply infrastructure.
We work closely with water companies, regulators and teams across the business to provide consistent advice on new water infrastructure proposals.
The team focuses on large‑scale projects such as reservoirs, inter‑regional transfers, water recycling and desalination schemes, from early strategic planning through to preparation for consents/permits.
Occasional national travel and overnight stays will be required.
Experience/skills required
Significant experience of planning, resource management, risk/issue management and governance in a project/ programme environment.
Working knowledge of scheduling, budgeting and cost management, business case development, business change and implementation, change control, assurance, and benefits management.
Detailed knowledge of project methodologies and frameworks.
A visible leader with experience of promoting diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, respecting differences.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, managing complex pieces of work that have lots of dependencies.
Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to develop effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and challenge effectively.
Knowledge and experience of Project Management Methodology supported by professional qualifications such as:
PRINCE2 Practitioner
Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner/Advanced Practitioner
APM Project Management Qualification
APM Chartered Project Professional
Project Leadership Programme
Leading and Managing Project Workstreams
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required.
Any queries, contact Elliot.tinton@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams during the weeks commencing 22nd or 29th June 2026.
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: Programme and Project Management
Description
Definition: Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.
Question: Tell us about a project or a programme of work that you have led or had senior involvement with. How did you keep track of progress and performance? What tools, systems and processes did you use?
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Competence 2: Leads People
Description
Definition: Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency
Question: How would you describe your leadership style and how would you use it to best effect to be successful in this role?
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 3: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Definition: 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.
Question:
Describe a situation where you have been instrumental in persuading a critical stakeholder to pursue a specific challenging course of action, explaining the techniques you used to influence their decision.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 4: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Definition: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question:
Provide a specific example of when you have identified and delivered a solution by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives, and taking sound and timely decisions.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
