Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861

Overview

Senior Advisor – Chemicals and Water – 31861

Are you a motivated strategic thinker with a passion for shaping environmental regulation? If you\’re driven to reduce chemical risks in our water environment through smart, evidence-based policy, we want to hear from you. Join our Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team as a Senior Advisor and play a leading role in how we tackle chemicals of concern. This is a unique opportunity to work within the wider Chemicals Programme, influencing national strategy and delivering smarter, more effective environmental protection. This role focuses on chemicals in water and offers the chance to shape the chemicals component of the Price Review programme, contribute to the Chemicals Investigation Programme, and ensure chemical risks are addressed through permit reviews and regulatory innovation.

We’re looking for a confident, experienced professional with an interest in policy development ready to lead on one of the most important environmental challenges of our time. The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce and values diversity, inclusion, and flexibility. This is a national role with a flexible working location and occasional travel to meet business needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of our chemical strategy for 2030–2035 through the Price Review programme.
• Ensure effective delivery of AMP8 and AMP9.
• Review high-risk permitted activities and influence national plans through collaboration with Defra, the water industry, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership across teams, mentoring colleagues and promoting innovation.
• Translate evidence into action to deliver environmental outcomes.
• Opportunity to take online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.

Team and working style

The Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks Team identifies emerging chemical risks, uses evidence to shape policy, and guides regulatory responses. The team is dispersed and uses MS Teams, with travel for face-to-face meetings usually in Birmingham or Bristol. We promote a positive, inclusive, supportive culture, leveraging evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence legislation, and secure resources.

Experience/skills

Essential experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience in environmental science/policy/related fields
• Understanding of water industry planning, regulation and/or permitting
• Strong stakeholder engagement/relationship-building skills with government and industry
• Strategic thinking and data analysis skills in environmental planning or water quality
• Excellent communication skills to translate technical information into clear policy
• Leadership in projects, programmes, or people with a collaborative and inclusive approach
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable:

• Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulations
• Membership of a relevant professional body

Location and employment details

• Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom (flexible working location for a national role)
• Employment type: Full-time
• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Application notes

You will be assessed via competency questions with blind assessment of answers. Interviews are conducted via MS Teams. Some travel and overnights may be required. Flexible working patterns and a Guaranteed Interview Policy for disabled applicants are in place. For further information or queries, contact melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk.