Job Description

The Director of Regional Operations roles are very significant leadership roles in Natural England (NE), supporting the Chief Officer of Operations (COO) and working closely with the National Operations Directors, twelve Area Managers and with the wider Director group.

In the role you will be responsible for driving a step change in delivery of nature recovery across a large regional geography. You will lead teams of c. 300 FTEs across 3 operational Areas, ensuring effective leadership, business management, and an inclusive and high performing culture across our teams.

You will be responsible for the most senior external engagement including leading strategic engagement where the Director can add most value for example at Chief Executive level with regional partners and customers across sectors, supporting place-based working and partnerships to maximise our delivery, and ensuring customer service that manages risks and enhances Natural England's reputation. This will also include account management of national stakeholders.

You'll play a leading role in strengthening delivery capability across our Area teams engaging effectively with all staff and ensuring improvements to our operating model, leadership, ways of working and culture are implemented effectively. This will include strengthening our Area Manager group to lead change locally, optimise collective performance, share good practice and implement learning.

Alongside this you will lead the organisation as Operational sponsor for one of our 6 strategic programmes working with the existing Programme Directors in our Strategy team to plan, allocate resource, and assure delivery of our goals. On behalf of the Chief Operations Officer, Regional Directors will be accountable for providing assurance to the Natural England Delivery Committee for delivery of the strategic programme they sponsor including associated Performance Indicators and Management Information.

As a Director in Natural England, you will provide inspiring, collaborative and inclusive leadership across the organisation and be a significant change agent within Operations.