Chief Executive Officer

Government Recruitment Service; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer scheme

Job summary

Cefas is a government marine and freshwater science agency seeking a Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next phase of development from Lowestoft. Reporting to Defra, you will set strategic direction, champion scientific excellence and ensure that Cefas’s evidence delivers lasting public value.

You will oversee delivery of a new research vessel, modernise data and technology, and strengthen partnerships across government, industry and academia to inform national and

Qualifications

• Experience leading a complex organisation through significant change.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders and lead diverse teams.
• Strong governance and financial stewardship capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for Cefas and champion scientific excellence.
• Oversee delivery of major capital or infrastructure programmes and modernization of data/technology.
• Build influential partnerships across government, industry and academia to deliver public value.

Job description

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the government’s marine and freshwater science agency, providing the evidence and expertise needed to support healthier ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and a resilient economy. As an Executive Agency of Defra, Cefas brings together applied science, data and operational capability to inform decisions on some of society’s most complex environmental challenges. Its work spans food security, clean energy, aquatic animal health and climate resilience, with partnerships across government, industry and academia both nationally and internationally. The organisation is now entering an important new chapter, modernising its scientific capabilities and investing in infrastructure, including a new research vessel.

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the government’s marine and freshwater science agency, providing the evidence and expertise needed to support healthier ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and a resilient economy. As an Executive Agency of Defra, Cefas brings together applied science, data and operational capability to inform decisions on some of society’s most complex environmental challenges. Its work spans food security, clean energy, aquatic animal health and climate resilience, with partnerships across government, industry and academia both nationally and internationally. The organisation is now entering an important new chapter, modernising its scientific capabilities and investing in infrastructure, including a new research vessel.

Cefas are seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to lead the organisation through its next phase of development. Reporting to Defra’s Director General for Environment, you will set strategic direction, champion scientific excellence and ensure that Cefas’s evidence and advice deliver lasting public value.

This is one of the most significant scientific leadership roles in Defra Group. You will bring together scientists, policymakers and partners to ensure that trusted evidence supports government priorities and informs decisions nationally and internationally. You will oversee delivery of a new research vessel, modernise the use of data and technology, and strengthen the organisation’s capacity to respond to marine and freshwater emergencies. As Accounting Officer, you will ensure strong governance, financial stewardship and organisational performance while building an inclusive, collaborative and high‑performing culture.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leading a complex organisation through significant change, alongside the judgement and credibility to engage senior stakeholders and specialist teams. A scientific background is not essential, but you will demonstrate an appreciation of how science and evidence inform decisions. You will have experience of overseeing major capital or infrastructure programmes coupled with the ability to build influential partnerships across organisational and sector boundaries.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally important organisation with an international reputation at a pivotal moment. Cefas’s science will help shape the future of our rivers, seas and oceans, balancing environmental recovery with economic prosperity. As Chief Executive, you will play a central role in ensuring that this expertise delivers lasting benefits for nature and society.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Chief Executive Officer

Company: Government Recruitment Service Salary: £105,000 to £105,000 a year Hours: Full-time Location: Lowestoft Job type: Permanent Posting date: 30 Oct 2026 Closing date: 16 Nov 2026

Summary

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the government’s marine and freshwater science agency, providing the evidence and expertise needed to support healthier ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and a resilient economy. As an Executive Agency of Defra, Cefas brings together applied science, data and operational capability to inform decisions on some of society’s most complex environmental challenges. Its work spans food security, clean energy, aquatic animal health and climate resilience, with partnerships across government, industry and academia both nationally and internationally. The organisation is now entering an important new chapter, modernising its scientific capabilities and investing in infrastructure, including a new research vessel.

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the government’s marine and freshwater science agency, providing the evidence and expertise needed to support healthier ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and a resilient economy. As an Executive Agency of Defra, Cefas brings together applied science, data and operational capability to inform decisions on some of society’s most complex environmental challenges. Its work spans food security, clean energy, aquatic animal health and climate resilience, with partnerships across government, industry and academia both nationally and internationally. The organisation is now entering an important new chapter, modernising its scientific capabilities and investing in infrastructure, including a new research vessel.

Cefas are seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to lead the organisation through its next phase of development. Reporting to Defra’s Director General for Environment, you will set strategic direction, champion scientific excellence and ensure that Cefas’s evidence and advice deliver lasting public value.

This is one of the most significant scientific leadership roles in Defra Group. You will bring together scientists, policymakers and partners to ensure that trusted evidence supports government priorities and informs decisions nationally and internationally. You will oversee delivery of a new research vessel, modernise the use of data and technology, and strengthen the organisation’s capacity to respond to marine and freshwater emergencies. As Accounting Officer, you will ensure strong governance, financial stewardship and organisational performance while building an inclusive, collaborative and high‑performing culture.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leading a complex organisation through significant change, alongside the judgement and credibility to engage senior stakeholders and specialist teams. A scientific background is not essential, but you will demonstrate an appreciation of how science and evidence inform decisions. You will have experience of overseeing major capital or infrastructure programmes coupled with the ability to build influential partnerships across organisational and sector boundaries.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally important organisation with an international reputation at a pivotal moment. Cefas’s science will help shape the future of our rivers, seas and oceans, balancing environmental recovery with economic prosperity. As Chief Executive, you will play a central role in ensuring that this expertise delivers lasting benefits for nature and society.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

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