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 depending on reliable water supplies, you will help secure the water resources needed for nature and for growth.

• Lead a department in Operations Catchment Services, with over 70 technical experts, delivering a national water resources service. This includes: 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; developing talent and skills in water planning; national modelling for water resources and groundwater.
• Lead the operational delivery of services, champion health, safety, and wellbeing; foster inclusion; and actively support the growth and development of your people. Ensure resources are used effectively, priorities are met, and performance is efficient and demonstrable.
• Take a wider leadership role as part of the Operations Catchment Services Leadership Team.

Operations Catchment Services is a national service of around 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.

• Authentic leader with a strong team focus; belief that great leadership protects people and the environment; ability to develop individuals and teams in an open, inclusive, trusting culture.
• Excellent stakeholder management with a strong customer focus and well-honed influencing skills.
• Strategic thinker who can identify links and connections, while also simplifying to deliver what is most important.
• Working knowledge of water resources management and an understanding of the environmental, political, and economic pressures affecting water-related sectors and the wider water environment.

We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, disabled, female and LGBT+ candidates. Please include information regarding preferred working arrangements. Applications are blind, assessed using employment history and competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams on 27 January 2026. This role can be based at any Environment Agency office across England.

We are committed to flexible working patterns and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability. For more information, consult the Candidate Pack.

The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra. This job description includes references to relevant policies and guidance. If you have questions, contact the Recruiting Team.