Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment

UK Agri-Tech Centre; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector body in Scotland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee regulation and environmental performance. The role demands extensive senior leadership experience and a proven track record in strategic planning and change management. The COO will manage a multidisciplinary team aligned with strategic goals, drive change, and represent the organization with external stakeholders. This is a key role in promoting sustainability and innovation.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience in a complex organization.
• Proven success in strategic planning and transformation.
• Experience in governance and performance delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary portfolio aligned with SEPA’s strategic goals.
• Implement corporate strategy and drive change.
• Manage resources effectively including budgeting and governance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiating skills

Job description

Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment

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 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 the public, communities, industries, and government bodies to innovate and deliver a more sustainable nation.

SEPA’s strategic priorities—Net Zero, Climate Resilience, Water Environment, Resource Efficiency, Business Environmental Performance, and Transformation—guide its mission to deliver maximum environmental benefit while creating value for people and the economy.

Job Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Regulation, Business & Environment will be a key member of SEPA’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), overseeing regulation and environmental performance. This 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 lead a multidisciplinary portfolio covering regulation from application and authorization to compliance and enforcement, ensuring that environmental regulation promotes positive change.

Role Accountabilities

• Lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary portfolio aligned with SEPA’s strategic goals.
• Work with the CEO and CLT to implement corporate strategy, deliver quality services, and drive change.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, development, innovation, and delivery among SEPA’s staff.
• Manage resources effectively, including budgeting, risk, and governance.
• Represent SEPA with stakeholders, external bodies, and government agencies.
• Ensure regulatory activities support Scotland’s journey to Net Zero and enhance resilience.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure delivery against KPIs.
• Promote knowledge sharing and policy influence through environmental data, research, and best practices.

Person Specification

• Extensive senior leadership experience in a complex organization.
• Proven success in strategic planning, regulation, transformation, and change management.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, governance, and performance delivery.
• Financial and people management skills, including oversight and risk control.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Strategic and creative thinking with sound decision-making skills.
• Strong communicator with influencing and negotiating skills.
• Understanding of public sector governance and environmental policies.
• Resilient, passionate, and able to lead with integrity.
• Skilled in building partnerships and representing SEPA confidently at senior levels.

How to Apply

Send your CV to Kirsten Hendry, Director at FWB, at [e-mail]. For a confidential discussion, contact her at 0131 539 7087.
The closing date is Monday, 1st September.

SEPA values wellbeing and promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are a registered Disability Confident Employer, committed to accessible recruitment processes.