Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861

Senior Advisor – Chemicals and Water – 31861

We’re looking for a strategic professional to lead on chemicals in water, shaping policy and improving environmental protection. Join the Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team to influence national strategy, contribute to the Chemicals Programme, and support regulatory innovation.

Note: This description is focused on responsibilities and qualifications for the role.

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 with Defra, the water industry, and stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership across teams, mentor colleagues, and promote innovation.
• Translate evidence into policy actions to deliver environmental outcomes.
• Potentially undertake online management responsibilities to support team development.

Qualifications and experience:

• Degree or equivalent in environmental science, policy, or related field.
• Understanding of water industry planning, regulation, and permitting; Price Review cycles and River Basin Management Planning.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, including with government and industry.
• Strategic thinking and data analysis in environmental planning or water quality.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to translate technical information into actionable policy.
• Leadership in projects, programmes, or people with 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 travel: Flexible working location (EA office base; national role; travel for face-to-face meetings typically in Birmingham or Bristol).

About the Environment Agency: We are committed to an inclusive workforce and flexible working patterns, with a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support disabled applicants.

Application details: Applications are blind; interviews via MS Teams; queries to melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk.