Reporting & Governance Manager

• Excellent analytical, stakeholder management and communication skills
• Understanding how to design, implement and maintain governance structures
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex data clearly.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Confidence working with large datasets and producing high-quality reports.

• Be able to use Power BI reporting to build reports
• Experience writing business cases

We’re recruiting a Reporting and Governance Senior Advisor for the Water Reform Programme, which will soon move into the E&B Directorate. The role sits within the Programme Management Office, reports to the Programme Manager and oversees the Project Support Officers.

The role provides assurance to the Programme Board that work is strategically aligned and delivered effectively. It supports ten work streams, strengthens decision‑making and provides evidence to manage risks and opportunities across the water reform landscape.

This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a complex, cross‑Defra and EA environment. You will help shape wider water reform governance, reporting, senior engagement and assurance.

You will shape how the programme is governed, tracked and delivered. This strategic, hands‑on role leads a team of Project Support Officers, enables programme decisions, manages risks and opportunities, and oversees key deliverables.

• Governance Oversight:
  Improve the governance framework to reflect the wider Defra landscape, streamline business‑as‑usual governance and value subject‑matter expertise. Ensure effective oversight, risk management and decision‑making across work streams and related activities.
• Portfolio Reporting Oversight:
  Develop standardised reporting tools and templates that improve consistency, accuracy and clarity. Produce high‑quality reports with actionable insights for senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Business Assurance:
  Oversee resourcing, finances, and team skills and capability. Assure compliance with organisational policies and ensure risks are escalated and managed promptly.

You’ll be part of the Strategic Design and Transition Programme (SDTP), a high‑profile programme leading the Environment Agency's response to water sector reform and the creation of a new water regulator. Working within the Programme Management Office, you’ll join a collaborative and motivated team that supports programme governance, delivery and assurance. We offer a friendly, inclusive and rewarding working environment where professional development is actively encouraged.

You will understand the importance of governance structures, which define who makes decisions, how decisions are made, and who is accountable. You will be comfortable working with data and be confident to communicate complex information in an appropriate way across all levels of the business. You will be able to work comfortably in a collaborative and inclusive way to support others through change.

• Experience or qualification in Project, Programme or Portfolio Management
• Excellent analytical, stakeholder management and communication skills
• Understanding how to design, implement and maintain governance structures
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex data clearly.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Confidence working with large datasets and producing high‑quality reports.

• Be able to use Power BI reporting to build reports
• Experience writing business cases

We are a Category‑1 responder, and all staff are required to take on an…