Environment Agency – Deputy Director of Engineering and Standards

We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment. Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife is at the heart of everything we do.

We reduce the risks to people, properties and businesses from flooding and coastal erosion. We protect and improve the quality of water, making sure there is enough for people, businesses, agriculture and the environment. Our work helps to ensure people can enjoy the water environment through angling and navigation. We look after land quality, promote sustainable land management, and help protect and enhance wildlife habitats. And we work closely with businesses to help them comply with environmental regulations.

The Deputy Director for Engineering and Standards plays a key role in the Environment Agency. This role is accountable for the managing and assuring the application of the engineering and asset management data and technical standards. The role is interesting and varied, the Deputy Director leads on external relationships with many of the EA’s partners and stakeholders, has significant impact on England’s FCRM, navigation and water infrastructure, and leads the Agency’s Asset Management Technical Authority. This is an exciting role for an innovative and technical leader with a passion for utilising their expertise and working across the breadth of engineering disciplines to enhance the country\’s resilience through effective asset management.

Essential criteria:

• Will have held, or demonstrated the capability to hold, a senior accountable engineering role in a major complex infrastructure or allied safety critical programme.
• Strong technical experience assuring significant scale programmes of engineering construction as well as maintenance, operation and/or decommissioning.
• Excellent stakeholder (both internal and external) management skills with strong customer management and persuasion skills
• An in-depth understanding of the UK legislative and policy environment relating to asset management.
• Significant experience of managing and/or influencing governance.
• Experience of strategic oversight and contextual technical support and leadership on innovative/sensitive/ contentious multi discipline-technical and engineering principles.
• A proven track record in confidently communicating technical ideas to any audience.
• Recognition as a role model in the strategic leadership of multi-disciplinary standards, safety and the environment.

Educational Requirements:

• Degree in an appropriate engineering discipline (e.g. civil, infrastructure, mechanical, or electrical engineering (BEng/BSc or MEng), with further learning to Master’s level as required for Chartered Engineer registration under UK-SPEC.

Professional Qualification Requirements:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, (completion of accredited qualifications and professional development under UK-SPEC) or equivalent professional registration from an internationally recognised engineering body.

Desirable criteria:

• Institute of Asset Management Diploma or equivalent.
• Status of a Fellow of an Engineering Institution.
• Understanding of reservoirs, bridges and land drainage law.

Location: National, any EA office

Grade Rate: £76,000

Candidates will have the opportunity to find out more about the role as there will be a virtual briefing session on Friday, 29th Aug from 10-11 am. Invitations can be acquired by emailing:

Please note that this is not part of the formal assessment process; it is intended to give candidates the opportunity to learn more about the appointment and the Environment Agency.

The deadline for applications is: Sunday 14th September at 23:59 pm

Please download the candidate brief for further information on the role and how to apply.