Senior Project Manager - 35568

Senior Project Manager - 35568

Number of jobs available

2

Region

North East, Yorkshire and the Humber

City/Town

Leeds , Newcastle

Building/Site

DEFRA GRP EA LEEDS LATERAL, LS11 9AT, DEFRA GRP EA TYNESIDE HOUSE, NE4 7AR

Grade

Staff Grade 6

Post Type

Permanent

Role Type

Programme and Project Management, Project Delivery

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Part Time Term Time, Compressed Hours

Salary Minimum

£54,940

Closing Date:

22/07/2026, 23:55 hours

Job description attachment 1

Candidate pack

Security checks level

Basic Check

Job description

We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.

We are looking for Senior Project managers to lead and deliver exciting, innovative projects including flood risk management studies and schemes that reduce the risk of flooding to communities and enhance the environment.

The role sits in Project & programme Delivery (PPD) and is a prominent senior position within our integrated project teams, taking responsibility for the management of projects as the Client project manager, or working alongside colleagues. The role holder will manage the project delivery process from initial strategic planning, through to feasibility, detailed design and then into implementation, construction and handover. You will support project team members, flexing your involvement to suit the strength of the team and help mentor more junior colleagues and partners.

You will build a great working environment to create high performing teams including our suppliers, client representatives, technical specialists and other partners. Applying your strong commercial acumen in project, contract and risk management, you will establish effective relationships, facilitating collaborative and efficient ways of working. You will make project decisions informed by technical leads whilst following governance procedures, project assurance and legislation.

The ability to develop a resilient network of relationships with stakeholders such as statutory authorities, landowners and local communities to negotiate agreements, consents, approvals and external funding is crucial.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do, you will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

The team

We are Project and Programme Delivery, creating a better place through excellence in project and programme management. We are part of the Environment Agency's Flood and Coastal Risk Management directorate and the team who provide the Environment Agency with effective project and programme management, delivering flood risk management, environmental improvements and shared ownership with local communities. Although dispersed through offices across the region, we create collaborative spaces sharing learning to develop our people.

Experience/skills required

A degree (or equivalent) in an engineering, environmental or geography related discipline ideally working toward chartered membership of a professional body such as ICE, CIWEM or APMP desired but not essential.

Previous training in project and contract management.

Areas of expertise that would support role include: hydrology, river modelling, feasibility assessement, asset management, business case development, cost monitoring/forecasting, scope preperation, CDM, engineering design and construction.

Strong experience in a project and contract and management environment, ideally within engineering, construction and/or flood & coastal risk management.

History of delivering results on technically challenging projects through coordination of a technical team.

Ability to mentor and support your teams in the delivery of their work.

Strong interpersonal and influencing skills as relationship management of internal and external stakeholders is important to ensure a colloborative environment.

Contact and additional information

Benefits include a generous pension provision, leave entitlement, environmental volunteering days and access to an Employee Assistance provider. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development.

Please state preferred location (Leeds or Newcastle) when applying. Travel and overnight stays may be required.

Driving Licence ideally required due to remote sites.

Further information please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

Interviews planned w/c: 7th September 2026 and 14th September 2026

#LI-DNI

Competence 1

Programme and Project Management

Description

Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.

When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.

CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question:
Describe a specific occasion within the last two years when you were personally accountable for delivering a task or piece of work and discovered that your existing skills, knowledge, or experience were insufficient. What steps did you take to address this, who (if anyone) did you seek support from, and what was the outcome?

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Competence 2

Leads People

Description

Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency

When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.

CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question:
Please provide an example of when you have motivated and inspired a team of people to deliver a challenging infrastructure project. What techniques did you use, what challenges did you encounter, how did you flex your leadership style and what were the results?

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.

Competence 3

Focuses on Customers and Partners

Description

Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses

When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.

CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question:
Describe a specific project or piece of work from the last three years where you had to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders with competing priorities, objectives, or expectations. How did you manage and lead in ensuring the right priorities were understood and managed.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.

Competence 4

Delivers Results Through Others

Description

Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.

When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.

CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.

Question:
Describe an infrastructure project team that you have led or have had a senior involvement with. Tell us how you directed the team to deliver a significant portion of work and what you are particularly proud of. Tell us about the challenges you faced and how your leadership led to a successful project outcome.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.

Role specific license requirements

Driving Licence ideally required due to remote sites

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 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 . Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.