Overview

The National Operations Manager (NOM) is a newly created, high-profile leadership role within the Environment Agency (EA). They will lead the National Operations Centre (NOC) and the nationwide incident response staff as they anticipate, assess, mitigate and respond to varied and complex incidents and risks, carrying out statutory duties under the Civil Contingency Act 2004, adhering to Cabinet Office best practice.

Responsibilities

• Hold responsibility for the Command, Control and Communications of the multi-disciplined incident response and the effective deployment of mobile response assets. Translate strategic and tactical priorities into clear, outcome-focused objectives and provide briefings for senior leaders, including Government and partner organisations to fulfil public and environmental protective duties.
• Gather intelligence and develop situational awareness to provide a deep understanding of threat, capability, strategy and political nuance. Direct investigative work, information analysis and intelligence development; oversee production of intelligence products, technical papers and risk assessments for diverse audiences (Executive Directors, partner organisations, Government/Ministers).
• Support the Executive Director of Operations with operational risk management, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of technical and political issues and cross-government coordination. Act as a single point of contact at high security classification levels and be suitably vetted to represent the EA at COBR meetings.
• Support the evolution of National Operations Centre capabilities and embedding them in the business. Deliver senior Incident Management & Resilience portfolios of work as directed.

Team and Purpose

You’ll be part of a team of six NOMs, reporting to an accountable Deputy Director within the Incident Management & Resilience Directorate alongside 400 colleagues.

Essential Criteria (Experience/Skills)

• Experience of incident management, leading/improving a fast-paced operational delivery service, managing competing priorities, high user expectations, and resource constraints.
• Analytical skills to evaluate data from various sources and identify benefits/risks to make well-considered judgments and decisions.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels, translating strategic and tactical priorities into clear objectives and shaping how teams work.
• Experience representing the function in internal/external forums, including meetings, committees, and panels.
• Inclusive leadership with a track record of driving a high-performing culture through governance, risk management, productivity and positive people outcomes.
• Experience delivering successful change and continuous improvements, collaborating with a range of stakeholders and building strong relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience operating in confidential environments and handling sensitive intelligence.

Contact and Additional Information

Flexible hours are available through blended home/office working. Travel is required with occasional overnight stays, and attendance at the Bristol office. Shift work includes early/late/weekends/on-call.

How to Apply

Please provide the following:

• An anonymised CV containing your job history and key achievements — maximum 3 pages.
• A Personal Statement concisely explaining your motivation for applying and how you meet the Essential Criteria and competencies (Leads People; Takes Decisions & Solves Problems; Influences & Persuades Others; Focuses on Efficiencies; Innovation & Quality) — maximum 2 pages.

We will hold a briefing call on 15/09/2025. Interviews are in person in Bristol week commencing 13/10/2025. Further details are in the Additional NOM Information Pack. Any questions contact IMX@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Role specific license requirements: Recognised professional tactical or strategic incident management command training (e.g., JESIP Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command) or equivalent.

Role specific professional membership requirements: Membership of a relevant professional institution (e.g., UK Resilience Academy, Emergency Planning College, CIWEM, ICE, Royal Geographical Society, etc.).

The Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service; eligibility for continuous service may vary. If unsure, consult your HR team. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job shares. We also guarantee an interview to applicants with disabilities whose applications meet minimum criteria.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing