Lead Specialist Advisor in Holytown

We are recruiting for a full time Lead Specialist Advisor - Industrial and Chemicals Regulation on a permanent basis. Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take - to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise. That’s why, when you join us as Lead Specialist Advisor, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day.

On successful appointment, the contracted job title will be ‘Specialist 1’. Work that goes beyond your desk. Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Lead Specialist Advisor, that involves:

• Lead the provision of expert professional data, evidence and advice, including the development of guidance, procedures and training to support compliance, enforcement and assurance, drawing on SEPA‑held data where available.
• Monitor, analyse and respond to legislative and policy developments across Scottish and UK governments, including identifying and advising on potential legislative changes to inform Government and other regulators.
• Lead the investigation and management of the most complex and high‑profile cases and compliance assurance interventions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, regulators, industry and political forums to ensure the organisation’s position is effectively represented, including collaborating on joint guidance and shared ways of working to support high standards of environmental protection.
• Supervise/mentor colleagues, monitor the quality of output and provide guidance, support and training where required.
• Effective, demonstrable leadership skills, including strategic thinking, a clear solution focused mentality, strong collaborative skills, the ability to influence and resolve conflict, and effective project management and organisational capability.
• Lead policy and/or strategy development, research and improvement for chemical and industrial activities, ensuring integration across portfolios and achieving all relevant outcomes, co‑ordinating people and financial resources.
• Make regulatory recommendations, engage senior peer review where needed, and support Senior Managers in escalating significant or contentious matters.
• Work collaboratively with other specialists in the team and across SEPA to ensure an informed One SEPA approach and outcome.

This is a highly important role within our Regulation, Business & Environment portfolio, which means you’ll need:

• Relevant chemical or science based experience or qualification equivalent to SCQF Level 10 (e.g. relevant Degree).
• A comprehensive knowledge of the legislation and policy relating to environmental industrial regulation (including COMAH) and/or chemicals regulation (including REACH).
• Well‑developed planning, analytical and project management skills together with strong interpersonal, consultative and negotiating skills.
• Written skills will be important in report composition and the presentation of complex and detailed proposals and recommendations.
• Demonstrate sound judgement and strong operational knowledge to resolve varied and complex issues.
• Understand, interpret and communicate technical chemical related reports, evidence and regulations.
• Strong people skills, including empathy, tact and sound judgement when mentoring, supporting staff and balancing priorities.

Support that goes beyond the workplace. We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home:

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities.
• Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata).
• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Progressive Family Friendly policies.
• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and recognition.

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does - as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer. Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise - and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply. We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do. Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape. For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre‑employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check. If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk.