Deputy Director, Navigation Strategy and Services - 36105

Job Description We are looking for an inspiring individual to join us as Deputy Director, Navigation Strategy and Services, to lead the dedicated, values-driven teams shaping and delivering our national navigation services.

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 services 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 the implementation of our new strategy for navigation: You will set the direction for a modern, sustainable and financially resilient National Navigation Service and oversee transformation projects to ensure strategic commitments are translated into operational delivery.

Drive sustainable funding initiatives: Your commercial awareness, financial acumen and strategic thinking will enable you to seize future funding opportunities to ensure the long-term resilience of our assets and services.

Drive innovation and improvement: You will identify and enable opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation to ensure we provide a high performing navigation service which delivers our statutory duties and customer expectations.

Engage with a variety of national stakeholders: Your ability to operate politically and communicate clearly will be key to managing relationships with national stakeholder groups, business forums and government.

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 lead a dispersed team of about 10 people setting and implementing strategy, including national standards, technical direction and performance frameworks, and leading transformation programmes to improve customer experience.

You will work closely with the Director of Operations, National Navigation Service, and the Deputy Director, Navigation Operations, 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 Significant experience leading the development of strategy in large operational organisations and proven success inspiring teams through business change. 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.

Innovating and adapting Strategic thinking skills and the ability to turn complex operational evidence into practical innovations. Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen to support investment prioritisation and value-for-money decisions. Proven success delivering business improvements.

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 some travel for site visits and meetings at other Environment Agency offices across England. This may involve occasional 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 more information on the role please email: DirectorofOperationsNationalNavigationService@environment-agency.gov.uk. If you are unable to attend a recording will be available.

Interviews will take place on 20, 21 and 22 October 2026. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

**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.