Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation - 30904

The Environment Agency is committed to delivering a more circular and Net-Zero economy by reducing waste and carbon emissions through regulating various market-based schemes. Due to an ambitious Government programme of regulatory reforms, we are expanding our teams to implement new duties.

The Environmental Markets & Regulation (EM&R) team in Operations oversees the regulation of schemes such as Producer Responsibility Waste markets, Carbon Markets, Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Carriers, Brokers, and International Waste Shipments, as well as delivering National Income Services. We are seeking an additional permanent Deputy Director to support the delivery of emerging and existing regulatory regimes driven by government reform and increasing environmental ambition.

As we transition to new regulatory policies, we need a leader to provide strategic leadership and management of our specialist operational teams, which deliver services with high national and international impact. You will collaborate with government, industry, and partner regulators to ensure effective delivery, lead on operational regulatory standards, and provide expert technical guidance. Your excellent communication and problem-solving skills will facilitate strong relationships with stakeholders, manage expectations, and champion regulatory and compliance activities. Your leadership will promote health, safety, wellbeing, continuous improvement, and diversity, equality & inclusion. You will bring strategic thinking, support team collaboration, delegation, and negotiation skills.

While providing inclusive leadership, you will contribute to the wider goals of the Agency through the National Regulation & Monitoring (NRM) Leadership Team and the Operations Executive Group, fostering relationships across Operations and the broader organization to ensure ongoing delivery for the Agency and community.

The team Environmental Markets & Regulation is part of the National Regulation & Monitoring (NRM) in Operations. EM&R consists of 5 teams: two regulating Producer Responsibility Waste markets, one for Climate markets, one for National Income Service, and a team overseeing Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, and Carriers, Brokers, and Dealers. Currently, approximately 550 staff, with plans for growth. The team collaborates closely with Operations, Environment & Business, Legal Services, and government partners.

Experience/skills Required

• Proven operational leadership across large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience delivering complex work programmes through others and implementing new ways of working.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and secure commitment from Boards, policy groups, Defra, DESNZ, industry, and regulatory bodies.
• Excellent communication skills for briefing technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, influence, and deliver results through others.
• Experience managing change and navigating political and regulatory challenges.
• Ability to translate complex technical and data insights into clear outcomes for stakeholders.

The role requires autonomy, translating regulatory policy into impactful delivery, and navigating complex environments to build trust with stakeholders. A professional qualification in any discipline is desirable.

Contact and additional information

Responding to incidents is central to our work. You will be expected to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support, with full training provided. Strong delegation and remote leadership skills are essential for managing teams nationwide. We value diversity and experience as strengths. This role reports to Malcolm Lythgo, Director of Operations, National Regulation & Monitoring.

A virtual briefing will be held on 28th May 2025, 10-11am. To attend, contact Malcolm’s PA at charlotte.gardener@environment-agency.gov.uk. Virtual interviews are scheduled for 28th & 29th July 2025.

Additional notes

Applicants from the Civil Service should note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and does not offer continuous service. For local government or similar roles, you may be eligible for continuous service for redundancy calculations. Contact your HR for clarification. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging flexible working arrangements and providing guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria. The Environment Agency uses government frameworks for external recruitment and does not engage directly via post, email, or phone. To become a support supplier, visit the Crown Commercial Service website.