Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861

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.

The Environment Agency is seeking a senior chemicals lead to play a leading role in how we tackle chemicals of concern. 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.

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.
• 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.
• You may also have the opportunity to take online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.

Experience / Skills Required

We are looking for a strategic, self-motivated individual with knowledge of the water industry, water quality planning and permitting processes including Price Review cycles and River Basin Management Planning. You’ll be confident working across policy, regulation, and stakeholder engagement to influence national programmes and deliver environmental outcomes.

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, including with government and industry
• Strategic thinking and data analysis skills in environmental planning or water quality
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and scientific information into clear, actionable policy
• Leadership in projects, programmes, or people, with a collaborative and inclusive approach
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

Desirable

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

Working arrangement & location

You’ll have an EA office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, however some travel and overnights will be required. The team is dispersed and works via MS Teams with occasional face-to-face meetings in Birmingham or Bristol.

Contact & additional information

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams. If you consent to be held on a reserve list, we’ll keep your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Competencies (brief descriptions)

• Shapes organisational approach & delivery: develops directions that translate into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment.
• Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: analyses information, develops alternatives, and makes timely decisions.
• Influences and Persuades Others: presents a compelling case to win support for plans.
• Manages Self: self-awareness, responsibility, and ongoing development in the role.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other