Target Operating Model Manager - 35342

Target Operating Model Manager - 35342
1
National
Various
Staff Grade 7
Fixed Term
Programme and Project Management
Full Time, Part Time, Other
£68,820 Pro-rata

21/06/2026, 23:55 hours

BS07 Job Family Role Profile Business Support Services, Grade 7

Basic Check

The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We're looking for an experienced and highly capable Target Operating Model (TOM) Manager to understand and manage the implications following the publication of the government’s ‘A new Vision for Water White’ paper on the Environment Agency’s wider Target Operating Model and to shape how the EA evolves as part of the broader organisational change landscape.  

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the EA’s operating model continues to support EA2030 ambitions, by understanding and managing the impacts of water reform across the full Target Operating Model. 

You will:

  • Be experienced in organisational and service delivery design and implementing new and changing services as well as new ways of working.
  • Work with the teams designing and implementing significant reforms to the regulation of the water environment and the establishment of a new water regulator  to understand and manage the impacts across the full EA Target Operating Model, including how changes in one component affect the wider system.
  • Develop and coordinate activity across all of the key TOM components ensuring impacts are understood individually as well as in combination and can be redesigned where necessary ensuring the overarching TOM continues to support efficient, effective delivery
  • Map and manage interdependencies across the various programmes and the wider EA change landscape, ensuring alignment of timelines, scope and delivery and avoiding fragmentation of design
  • Support design work relating to the new regulator and shape the EA’s position, including influencing to minimise disbenefits and providing advice on mechanisms to underpin future working relationships.
You will be part of a small agile, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors. The team is dispersed and continuing to develop, offering a supportive, collaborative and high-trust environment with strong opportunities for personal growth.

You will be an experienced programme, strategy or operating model professional with a strong track record in organisational design and transformation.

You will be confident working across complex systems, able to understand and connect multiple components (e.g. governance, digital, workforce) into a coherent operating model. You can translate ambiguity into clear design choices and practical delivery plans.

Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills are essential, with experience working with senior leaders and across organisational boundaries. You will be comfortable operating at pace, managing interdependencies, and navigating uncertainty.

Experience in target operating model design, organisational development, transformation programmes, or large-scale change is highly desirable.

You will have an EA office base location; however, as this is a national role, flexible working is supported.

We use smart tools to stay connected and minimise travel. Some travel will be required to attend monthly in person programme and team meetings and workshops, including occasional overnight stays.

For further information, please see the Job Profile or contact sarah.cook@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Applications are assessed anonymously based on your responses to the questions below. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

Up to 12 months
Embraces Change
Give an example of when you had to respond to significant or rapidly evolving change (such as policy, strategy, or organisational reform). How did you adapt your approach, maintain momentum, and identify the implications for your work or organisation?
Engages others
Tell us about a time when you engaged a wide range of stakeholders to shape a complex piece of work (e.g. strategy, operating model, or transformation activity). How did you identify who to engage, build shared understanding, and use feedback to improve outcomes
Manages Change
Describe a time when you led or shaped a complex organisational or operating model change. How did you manage ambiguity, build a clear case for change, and gain commitment from stakeholders while minimising disruption to delivery?
Achieves Results
Describe a time when you delivered a significant piece of work in a complex environment with multiple interdependencies. How did you prioritise activity, manage risks, and ensure delivery of clear outcomes to time and quality?
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.