Chief Officer - Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

About the role

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) works to protect and enhance the Island’s natural and built assets, guided by the core principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability. Our focus includes optimising quality of life, strengthening the Island’s international reputation, supporting food production, ensuring energy security and promoting outdoor amenity.

DEFA is proud to work in partnership with all sectors of the Manx community to safeguard and enhance the essentials of life – food, air, land and water. The Department holds policy responsibility for a wide range of areas including agriculture, animal health and welfare, environmental protection, energy, food, forestry, fisheries, ecosystems, planning and building control and provides the Island’s development management function.

As Chief Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Department, ensuring the delivery of effective programmes and services in line with the Island Plan and the Department’s Service Delivery Plans. As the most senior civil servant within the Department, you will be a confident, visible leader who upholds the values of the Public Service and drives forward DEFA’s priorities.

Areyou ready to lead and shape the future of our community, our environment and our Isle of Man?

A workplace that invests in you

• A competitive salary that increases each 12 months until you reach the salary maximum.
• A generous annual leave entitlement, a Privilege Day and 10 Bank Holidays; your annual leave will increase after your first year and again after your third year.
• A flexi-time scheme where you can accrue additional time worked to take as leave.
• Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, the IOM Public Service offers two pension arrangements; the Isle of Man Government Unified Scheme 2011 or the Isle of Man Government Defined Contribution (DC) Arrangement.
• Access to the Learning, Education and Development training facility, which is exclusively for Public Service employees, to keep on top of your continuous professional development.
• Discounted access to the NSC gym and island swimming pools as well as 1-to-1 support programmes and exercise classes with qualified instructors.
• Free access to the Isle of Man Government Staff Welfare Service which offers professional counselling, emotional support and sign-posting on a wide range of issues.
• Ability to apply for an unpaid career break after 3 years’ service.
• Access to the Isle of Man Public Service Cycle to Work scheme after your first year of employment.
• Free car parking.
• You’ll be based at Thie Slieau Whallian, an award-winning sustainable building offering an amazing office workspace and outdoor area you can enjoy during your lunch break.
• A relocation package of up to £10,000based on receipts is available for this role.

Making the Isle of Man your new home

A hidden gem in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches. There are an abundance of opportunities and lots of places to discover!

You can visit our great cafes, bars and restaurants, and become part of the Island’s close-knit community. The island is well connected to the UK with quick, direct flights and ferries to many destinations.

Want to find out more about Island life? Visit to find out why you should make your move to the Isle of Man!

Working for the Isle of Man Public Service

We are the largest employer on the island delivering a diverse range of services to the people of the Isle of Man. We care, nurture and value our employees’ wellbeing, development and career and place great importance on rewarding the commitment by our wonderful employees.

We support and promote flexible working, recognising the importance of working flexibly around your life and commitments and the benefits in improving work-life balance. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements where possible and if interested you should discuss this with the Recruiting Manager.

The Isle of Man Public Service is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebratesequality, diversity and inclusion .We understand how a wide range of views and experiences can benefit us as we work together for the Isle of Man.

Your candidate experience is important to us. As a proud member of The Circle Back Initiative, we commit to respond to every applicant that applies for an Isle of Man Public Service role.

Things to note

A security clearance check is required for this post, which the Isle of Man Government will cover the cost of for you.

Ready to apply?

For more information, please contact Scott Gallacher, Chief Officer at the Department at or Mark Lewin, Interim Chief Executive Officer (Isle of Man Government) at a confidential discussion.

The closing date for this role is midnight on 26 May 2025.

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