Environment Agency
Deputy Director, Navigation Operations - 36104
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Job Description
We are looking for an inspiring individual to join us as Deputy Director, Navigation Operations, to lead the dedicated, values-driven teams delivering our place-based navigation services and operations.
The Environment Agency is the navigation authority for more than 1,000km of inland waterways across the non-tidal Thames, Medway, Anglian Waterways, and Rye and Lydney harbours. We support safe, responsible use of our waterways for boating, business and other recreational activities.
As Deputy Director, you will play a vital role in achieving our vision for thriving waterways that will be valued for generations to come. You will help to shape future service delivery and empower teams to deliver our new five-year navigation strategy, which is currently out for consultation: https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/42576/widgets/157135/documents/110358
You will:
- Lead operational delivery for navigation: You will have a clear picture of our delivery priorities and will oversee skilled teams to ensure our locks, weirs, harbours and waterways operate safely and effectively and our statutory duties and performance objectives are met.
- Prioritise health, safety and well-being: You will embed consistent operational standards and ways of working across dispersed teams, fostering a safe work environment and effective risk management.
- Drive operational improvements: You will identify and implement continuous improvement and innovation to our operations to ensure a high performing navigation service which delivers our statutory duties and customer expectations.
- Engage with a variety of local stakeholders: Your ability to operate politically and communicate clearly will be key to managing relationships and building partnerships with business leaders, MPs, local authorities and community members.
- Embed a culture of inclusion: Your ability to role model and inspire an inclusive culture and consistent standards and ways of working will be an integral part of the role.
The team
We are committed to wellbeing and inclusivity, and encouraging diverse voices in our decision-making is key to our success.
You will be responsible for over 150 people working in dispersed place-based operational roles across the waterways we are responsible for, including asset management and enforcement.
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You will work closely with the Director of Operations, National Navigation Service, and the Deputy Director, Navigation Strategy and Services, to shape and deliver our navigation service.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for experienced and passionate leaders who can demonstrate these skills and behaviours:
Leading with clarity
Extensive leadership experience in complex operational environments and proven success inspiring teams to deliver front-line outcomes. The ability to foster collaboration in high-stress situations.
Solving problems and making decisions
The ability to interpret operational, asset, performance and financial information and make decisions in situations where priorities are competing and information is incomplete.
Delivering quality outcomes
Experience leading teams through transformation whilst managing complex operational risks. A proven commitment to creating a culture of health and safety. An understanding of crisis management and large-scale incident response will be valuable.
Influencing and connecting
Excellent political judgement and experience working effectively with a range of stakeholders on complex, sensitive issues in a political environment. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to deliver complex messages and influence multiple audiences on strategically critical topics.
Contact and additional information
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our navigable waterways for generations to come.
Base location is flexible, but the role will involve regular travel to visit operational teams across the Thames, Medway, Anglian Waterways and Rye and Lydney harbours. There will also be some travel to other Environment Agency offices. This may involve overnight stays.
Please download the candidate pack for full details including how to apply.
We will be running a virtual briefing session for candidates at 3.00pm on 22 September 2026. For an invitation or for more information on this role please email: DirectorofOperationsNationalNavigationService@environment-agency.gov.uk
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.
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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 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-careers-artificial-intelligence-and-you for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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