29664 - Deputy Director, Governance and Engagement

As Deputy Director for Governance and Engagement you'll be at the heart of everything the Environment Agency does, leading our relationship with Government. This is an exciting, fast-paced and rewarding role, working alongside the Director of Strategy and four other Deputy Directors. We are looking for a motivated and experienced individual to join our Deputy Director cadre and lead a high performing team of c50 people which is responsible for leading our relationship with Ministers, Government and Parliament, as well as providing a first-class service through our Board governance team and private offices. This role requires proven capabilities in working with complexity at a strategic level, effective collaboration, and influencing and shaping organisational direction. In this role you will lead four branches: 1. Government relations - lead our relationship with Ministers, Government and Parliament, including on policy and legislative developments; and support place-based and technical teams to engage with MPs. 2. Governance - provide essential support to the Environment Agency Chair and Board and work with other relevant committees to ensure that the Environment Agency operates legally compliant governance in an innovative and efficient manner. 3. Executive support - lead the private offices tasked with providing first class support to our Chair and Chief Executive, including strategic and tactical oversight of their engagement to provide maximum value for the organisation. 4. Insight and engagement - provide expert professional advice and information to help the organisation engage with individuals, business and communities; and develop internal and external insight into the Environment Agency to support our decision making. The team You'll be working withing the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance (STA) Directorate reporting to our Director of Strategy. STA is at the heart of the Environment Agency. Its passionate and skilled people provide national-once services to enable our organisation to thrive. You will support and drive the team, embedding new ways of thinking and working across the organisation.

• You'll be an experienced leader, able to motivate and set direction for a large and high performing team
• You'll be adept at managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving landscape.
• You'll be a strategic thinker, able to show that you have the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post, as well as the skills to succeed at senior level as a Deputy Director.
• You'll have exceptional political understanding and judgement with clarity of argument and concise writing skills.
• You'll have expertise in influencing senior leaders and colleagues in a range of situations.
Responding to incidents is central to what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. Full training will be available.