The role

• Enhancing surface water forecasting: Develop innovative approaches to predict fast-moving, localised flood events with greater accuracy and lead time.
• Ensuring public safety: Create clear, actionable communications that empower citizens and communities to respond effectively to flood warnings.
• Advancing forecasting technology: Contribute to the evolution of hydrological and meteorological models and forecasting systems, integrating cutting-edge data and tools.
• Strengthening resilience infrastructure: implement a co-ordinated and risk-based approach to service improvements for the country
• Maximising impact within resource constraints: Work collaboratively across agencies to deliver high-quality services efficiently and sustainably.

The role holder will oversee the continued embedding of re-grouped forecasting and warning staff and their efficient and effective working as one new end-to-end service within the Environment Agency, building a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared ownership. They will champion integration across disciplines, foster innovation in flood forecasting, and ensure that teams are empowered to deliver timely, accurate, and actionable warnings.

• Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Forecasting and Warning Service to ensure the effective, efficient, and high-quality delivery of the service, aligned with organisational priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Leads the transformation of a resilient, high-performing 24/7/365 national service, capable of meeting the complex demands of climate change, growing risk, and public expectation
• Acts as a national ambassador and spokesperson for forecasting and warning. Shapes national dialogue on forecasting and warning, and preparedness standards.
• Forges strategic alliances with UK and international partners for F&W. Focusses on sharing insight and strengthening capability. Position the EA as a global leader in F&W.
• Anticipates, owns and manages strategic risks and issues for F&W including the FFC. Addresses risks and issues within the wider IMOR portfolio.
• Influences national research and policy agendas. Shape national dialogue with government, emergency services, media, and the public on forecasting and climate preparedness and national incident response strategy, ensuring forecasting and warning services are embedded and future-proof.

Identifying opportunities to commercialise F&W services and generate income, ensuring they align with organisational objectives, add value, and strengthen the long-term sustainability and impact of the service