Team Leader – Forecasting and Response – 34339 Full Time

Job DescriptionThis is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within Thames Tidal Defences Operations, helping to safeguard London and the Thames Estuary from tidal flooding now and for generations to come. Reporting directly to the Tidal Thames Operations Manager and sitting within the Leadership Team, you will operate at the heart of one of the world’s most complex and high‑profile flood defence systems.You will provide authoritative specialist and technical leadership, delivering clear, high‑quality advice across the organisation and with external partners. With strategic oversight of all aspects of TTD operations, you will influence flood forecasting, flood warning, operational response and the real‑time operation of the Thames Barrier and its associated gates.A key focus of the role is ensuring the availability, resilience and performance of tidal forecasting systems, enabling confident, timely decisions that protect millions of people and critical infrastructure. You will also lead and support priority workstreams across investment planning, asset management and operational strategy, shaping delivery in the short, medium and long term in alignment with the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan.Operationally, you will undertake a vital role ensuring timely decisions on when and how London’s active tidal flood defences are deployed. You will lead and coordinate a skilled team to ensure safe and effective operations and be competent in managing organisational change.As a visible ambassador for TTD, you will represent the programme internally and externally, proactively driving change, improvement and innovation to ensure that London’s tidal flood defences remain world‑class, resilient and ready for the challenges of climate change.Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this.The teamThe Thames Tidal Defences Leadership Team, within Local Operations, are responsible for the full asset management lifecycle of London’s tidal flood defence assets, including their safe and effective operation. As a key member of this team, you will lead six direct reports. Five operate a 24/7, year-round shift system, delivering critical forecasting and flood warning services for the tidal Thames. You will also be supported by a dedicated advisor who provides specialist and technical leadership.Experience/skills RequiredWe’re seeking candidates with experience of working with meteorological and/or tidal forecasting systems in an operational or engineering environment.You’ll be degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or have substantial relevant experience, and be chartered or operating at an equivalent professional level.Successful candidates will be required to join the TTD operational standby team.You’ll demonstrate strong capability in line management and leadership, with a particular focus on operational competence and technical leadership of forecasting systems.You’ll be experienced in managing programmes of work and change, promoting high standards of health and safety, and delivering outcomes to time, cost and quality.You’ll be skilled in resource planning, risk-based decision making, crisis and operational management, and the rigorous application of business, statutory and regulatory standards.You’ll have a range of development opportunities and training will be provided.Please read the Candidate Pack and generic role profile for more information.Contact and additional informationYou will be based at the Thames Barrier and be expected to work from site, with some home based and alternative office locations working.This role will require the candidate to have and maintain, or be able to obtain, DV clearance. Candidates must therefore be able to achieve these criteria to be successful at interview.Additional Allowances – £4,406p.a. Inner London WeightingWe offer a fantastic benefits package flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and an award-winning Pension Fund. See the candidate pack for more details.Any queries, please do contact John.Dippnall@environment-agency.gov.ukApplications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.Interviews will be held in person at the Thames Barrier offices on 17th and 18th June, but maybe subject to change.Competence 1Achieves ResultsDescriptionSets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets.Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of resultsQuestion: Can you give an example of a time when you set high performance standards and successfully organised priorities and resources to meet challenging targets?More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.  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.Feedback is generally not available at sift stageCompetence 2Takes Decisions and Solves ProblemsDescriptionFinds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.Question: Can you describe a time when you analysed complex information, explored alternative options, and made a sound, timely decision to achieve the best outcome?Competence 3Incident PlanningDescriptionUndertakes strategic plans for the Agency’s response to incidents and ensuring Environment Agency staff are effectively prepared.Question: Tell us about a time when you had to plan and prepare an organisation’s response to a major incident. How did you ensure staff readiness and operational effectiveness?Competence 4Leads PeopleDescriptionProvides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment AgencyQuestion: How do you lead in a way that motivates and empowers others to achieve both their personal development goals and the organisation’s objectives?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.