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- Tasks: Lead SEPA's strategic objectives and oversee environmental regulation.
- Company: SEPA is Scotland’s leading environmental regulator, driving sustainable growth and climate action.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture focused on wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact on Scotland's environment and economy.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience and a strong background in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement required.
- Other info: SEPA is committed to inclusivity and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, playing a leading role in addressing the climate and nature crises. With a visionary statutory purpose to protect and improve the environment while supporting health, wellbeing, and sustainable economic growth, SEPA works at the forefront of Scotland’s environmental future. The agency collaborates with communities, industries, and government bodies to innovate and deliver a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable nation.
SEPA’s strategic priorities—Net Zero, Climate Resilience, Water Environment, Resource Efficiency, and Business Environmental Performance—guide the organisation’s mission to deliver maximum environmental benefit while creating value for people and the economy.
About this role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join SEPA’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) on an interim basis as Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Regulation, Business & Environment.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Regulation, Business & Environment will serve as a key member of SEPA’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), with strategic oversight of regulation and environmental performance. This executive role involves shaping and delivering SEPA’s strategic objectives, championing performance excellence, fostering innovation, leading transformation and acting as an ambassador for SEPA’s mission both internally and externally.
The COO will be the executive lead for a broad, multidisciplinary portfolio covering the full journey of regulation from application and authorisation to compliance and enforcement, ensuring that environmental regulation drives positive change.
Role Accountabilities
- Lead and manage a high-performing, multi-disciplinary function, aligned to SEPA’s strategic goals.
- Collaborate with the CEO and CLT to implement corporate strategy and drive transformational change through SEPA’s “One SEPA Modernisation” programme.
- Inspire and guide SEPA’s people, fostering a culture of inclusion, development, and innovation.
- Oversee effective resource planning and performance management, including budgeting, risk management, and governance.
- Represent SEPA at the highest levels with stakeholders, external bodies, and government agencies.
- Ensure regulatory activities contribute to Scotland’s journey to Net Zero and support economic and environmental resilience.
- Drive continuous improvement across your portfolio, ensuring delivery against corporate KPIs.
- Promote knowledge-sharing and policy influence by drawing on environmental data, research, and best practice.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Extensive leadership experience in a complex, comparable organisation.
- Proven track record in strategic planning, transformation, and change management.
- Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, governance, and performance delivery.
- Experience in financial and people management, including budget oversight and risk control.
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
- Strategic and creative thinking with sound decision-making in complex environments.
- Skilled communicator with strong influencing and negotiating abilities.
- Deep understanding of public sector governance and environmental policy contexts.
- Passionate, resilient, and able to lead by example with openness and integrity.
- Capable of building constructive partnerships and representing SEPA confidently at senior levels.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV to Kirsten Hendry, Director at FWB, at For an initial confidential discussion, contact her on 0131 539 7087.
At SEPA, we value your wellbeing and want you to be your best inside and outside of work. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all our employment practices and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
SEPA are a registered Disability Confident Employer, which means we’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible for all. We actively encourage applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, and we work to ensure that every candidate and employee has the support they need.
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Interim Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment employer: FWB
Contact Detail:
FWB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SEPA's strategic priorities, especially around Net Zero and Climate Resilience. Understanding these key areas will help you align your experience and vision with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former SEPA employees to gain insights into the organisational culture and leadership style. This can provide you with valuable context that you can reference in conversations with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past leadership experiences, particularly in transformation and change management. Highlight how these experiences can contribute to SEPA’s mission and objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of public sector governance and environmental policy by staying updated on recent developments in these areas. This knowledge will showcase your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Operating Officer position at SEPA. Familiarise yourself with their strategic priorities and how your experience aligns with their mission.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant leadership experience, particularly in strategic planning and transformation. Emphasise your track record in stakeholder engagement and performance delivery, ensuring it reflects the skills and attributes mentioned in the job description.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also demonstrate your understanding of SEPA's goals. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead change and drive performance excellence.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Understand SEPA's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of SEPA's mission and strategic priorities. Familiarise yourself with their goals around Net Zero, Climate Resilience, and Resource Efficiency. This will help you align your answers with their objectives and demonstrate your commitment to their vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past leadership roles that highlight your experience in strategic planning and transformation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and driven change in complex environments, as this is crucial for the COO role.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since stakeholder engagement is key for this position, think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you navigated challenges and built constructive partnerships, showcasing your strong communication and influencing skills.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
As the COO will oversee budgeting and risk management, be ready to discuss your experience in financial oversight. Highlight any relevant achievements in managing budgets or improving financial performance, as this will show your capability in handling the financial aspects of the role.
