If you’re part of the Environment Agency (EA), you’re part of the solution. Working with us means protecting and improving the environment for generations to come. Such a broad scope of work calls for diverse, multi-skilled teams and exceptional leadership.  

We’re looking for a Deputy Director to confidently lead our Sustainable Business Team, this role sits within our Corporate and National Services Directorate. 

You will be responsible for managing a budget of circa. £2.1m while managing the reputation of the Environment Agency and Defra.

As consumers/partners become further aware of the ever-growing impact on our climate and the impact they are having on the environment, a growth in sustainable business has risen exponentially over the last few years.

Alongside this external awareness, the Environment Agency has pledged to be net zero carbon by 2045-50 and with this we need strong, decisive leadership to drive the sustainability agenda across the EA.

This role will be accountable for ensuring delivery of the EA’s sustainability strategy: eMission, which includes the Environment Agency’s commitment to be Net zero carbon by 2045-50, and for assuring the performance of the business on sustainability to Executive Directors and the Board which includes ISO 14001 accreditation

The role will provide professional services to the organisation to support compliance, performance and delivery of corporate ambition on sustainability. This involves working with senior leaders across the breadth of the organisation and Defra corporate services (potentially wider) to ensure sustainability is integrated across the business

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 during an incident. Full training will be available.

• A thorough knowledge and passion for the sustainability agenda, being able to articulate this to influence senior leaders within the organisation
• Experience of working within a government body is desired
• Strong Leadership is an essential part of this role with the ability to communicate complex issues in a simple, engaging way
• A thorough understanding of the external sustainability landscape, current legislation and best practice
• A strong external and internal network or the ability to build these quickly and effectively
• Articulate and confident when communicating; uses compelling narrative and data to persuade/influence senior stakeholders internally/externally

Key responsibilities: 

• Ensuring environmental management compliance by maintaining a robust Environmental Management System that meets ISO 14001 standards.
• Leads the development and delivery of the organisation’s eMission ambition, shaping strategy and driving implementation across the business.

A relevant professional qualification, such as membership of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), is desirable.

For further information please contact: Katie Bonnett, Business Manager, Corporate and National Services at; [email protected] 

There will be some national travel required, Bristol, Birmingham, London and other key sites.

Candidate Assessments will take place face to face. These may include a staff engagement panel. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates. 

We will be running a virtual candidate briefing session for those interested in applying for the role on 5th February at 3pm. Invitations can be acquired by emailing: [email protected] . We will also be recording this session should you need this.

Interviews will likely take place week beginning 16th March 2026.