Deputy Director Sustainable Business - 33010

Deputy Director Sustainable Business - 33010
1
National
Various
Various
Deputy Director
Permanent
Business Management & Improvement, Environment & Sustainability
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
£81,000

15/02/2026, 23:55 hours

Basic Check

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 rare opportunity to lead the future of our Sustainable Business Team, driving transformation and shaping how we engage with hundreds of thousands of customers each year. Reporting to the Director of Corporate and National Services, this influential role offers wide freedom to rethink how the EA operates and deliver bold, progressive change. Your leadership will directly shape Defra’s strategic direction and help secure the legislative and policy frameworks needed to achieve our long‑term ambitions.
  • 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; directorofcorporateandnationalservices@environment-agency.gov.uk 

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: directorofcorporateandnationalservices@environment-agency.gov.uk . We will also be recording this session should you need this.

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

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.