City/Town
Southampton, West Malling, Worthing
Region
South East
Vacancies
2
Salary Minimum
£54,940
Post Type
Permanent
Job ID
34081
Closing date
26 Apr 2026
Published date
15 Apr 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 6
Role type
Programme and Project Management
Post type
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Part Time Term Time
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
We are seeking Senior Project Managers to lead and deliver innovative projects that reduce flood risk and enhance the natural environment across the South-East. As part of the Programme and Project Delivery (PPD) team, you will play a central role in shaping, planning, and delivering projects that protect communities and improve local habitats.
In this senior position, you will oversee the full project lifecycle—from early strategic planning and feasibility through detailed design, construction, and final handover. You will act as the Client Senior Project Manager or Project Executive, ensuring that projects are delivered effectively, safely, and in line with governance and assurance requirements. A key part of the role is supporting and mentoring project team members, adapting your leadership style to suit the strengths and needs of the team.
You will foster a positive, collaborative working environment, building strong relationships with suppliers, technical specialists, client representatives, and delivery partners. Your commercial awareness and understanding of contract and risk management will help drive efficient, value‑focused project delivery. You will make informed decisions based on technical advice while ensuring compliance with legislation and organisational procedures.
You’ll develop and maintain productive relationships with statutory authorities, landowners, local communities, and other partners. This includes negotiating agreements, securing consents and approvals, and helping to obtain external funding where required.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
"
"Question:
Describe a project or programme you have led or had senior responsibility for. Explain the purpose of the work and your specific role. How did you monitor progress and performance, and what tools or processes did you use in practice? Give an example of an issue you identified and how you acted on it and what impact it had on delivery."
"PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview."
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. "
"Question:
Give an example of a time when you led your team to achieve a significant outcome in difficult circumstances. Briefly outline the situation and your specific role. Describe the actions you took to support, guide or motivate your team, and provide one real example of a challenge you faced and how you addressed it. Explain the impact your leadership had on the final outcome and what you learned from the experience."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection. "
"Question:
Give an example of a time when you had to balance conflicting views from different stakeholders during project delivery. Briefly outline the situation, your role, and the parties involved. Describe one real disagreement or tension you had to manage, the steps you personally took to resolve it, and how you ensured progress continued. Explain the outcome and what you learned that has influenced how you manage stakeholder relationships today."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection."
"Question:
Describe a multi‑functional project team you have had senior responsibility for. Briefly outline the project, your role, and the different disciplines involved. Explain how you delivered a significant element of the work through others, giving one real example of how you delegated, coordinated or supported team members to achieve progress. Describe a specific challenge you faced in delivering through others, how you addressed it, and the impact your actions had on the overall delivery."
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.