Water Resources Manager

Overview

Are you passionate about ensuring we have enough water for people, business, and the environment? With a large part of the economy now depending on reliable water supplies, you will help secure the water resources needed for nature and for growth. This role leads the Operations Catchment Services department, with over 70 technical experts, delivering a national water resources service including shaping and scrutinising Water Companies' statutory Water Resource Management Plans, providing expert input to the National Framework for Water Resources, managing programmes to deliver sustainable abstraction, drought planning and drought management, and developing talent and skills in water planning.

You will line-manage and develop a high-performing team, champion health, safety and wellbeing, foster inclusion, and support the growth and development of your people. You will also take a wider leadership role as part of the Operations Catchment Services Leadership Team.

The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcoming flexible working patterns for all vacancies.

• Providing expert input to the National Framework for Water Resources
• Managing programmes to deliver sustainable abstraction
• Drought planning and drought management
• Developing talent and skills in water planning
• National modelling for water resources and groundwater
• Shaping and scrutinising Water Companies  statutory Water Resource Management Plans

• Authentic leader with a strong team focus and a commitment to developing individuals and teams
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with a strong customer focus and well-honed influencing skills
• Ability to think strategically, identify connections, and simplify complex topics to deliver clear priorities
• Working knowledge of water resources management and understanding of environmental, political, and economic pressures affecting water-related sectors

As an inspiring leader, you will champion health, safety, and wellbeing; foster inclusion; and actively support the growth and development of your people. You will lead the operational delivery of services, ensuring resources are used effectively, priorities are met, and performance is demonstrable. You will also be part of the Operations Catchment Services Leadership Team. The team is a national service of approximately 240 people, providing expertise in water and environmental planning, water company account management, and data analysis.

We offer high-quality services and act as the centre of technical excellence for water resources and water quality planning.

• We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, female and LGBT+ candidates.
• Please include information regarding preferred working arrangements.
• Responding to incidents is a central part of our work. The candidate pack provides more information on this.
• This role can be based at any of the Environment Agency offices across England.
• Interviews will be held via MS Teams on 27 January 2026.
• If you consent, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Application details:
The Environment Agency is committed to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion. Competency-based questions and a blind review process form part of the assessment. For more information, refer to the candidate pack.