Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation - 30904

Environment Agency; Gainsborough CP; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environment Agency seeks a Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation to lead regulatory initiatives and manage diverse teams. This role requires strategic leadership, excellent communication, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, contributing to a Net-Zero economy.

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership across large, diverse teams.
• Experience in delivering complex work programmes.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and secure commitment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management of operational teams.
• Collaborate with government, industry, and partner regulators.
• Ensure effective delivery and lead on regulatory standards.

Skills

Operational leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

Professional qualification in any discipline

Job description

Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation - 30904

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Job Description

The Environment Agency is committed to delivering a more circular and Net-Zero economy by reducing waste and carbon emissions through regulating various market-based schemes. An ambitious government programme of regulatory reforms is expanding our responsibilities, and our teams are growing to support these new regimes. The Environmental Markets & Regulation (EM&R) team within Operations oversees the regulation of schemes including Producer Responsibility Waste markets, Carbon Markets, Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Carriers, Brokers and Dealers, and International Waste Shipments. They also provide National Income Services.

We are seeking an additional permanent Deputy Director to support the delivery of both emerging and existing regulatory regimes driven by government reform and increasing environmental ambitions.

As we navigate transitions to new regulatory policies, we need a leader to provide strategic leadership and management of our specialist operational teams, which deliver services with high national and international impact. You will collaborate with government, industry, and partner regulators to ensure effective delivery, lead on operational regulatory standards and activities, and provide expert technical regulatory guidance. Your excellent communication and advanced problem-solving skills will facilitate effective relationships with stakeholders, manage expectations, and champion our regulatory and compliance efforts.

Your leadership will promote health, safety & wellbeing, continuous improvement, and diversity, equality & inclusion. You will demonstrate strategic thinking, support teamwork, delegate effectively, and negotiate successfully.

While providing inclusive leadership, you will also contribute to the wider goals of the Agency through participation in the National Regulation & Monitoring (NRM) Leadership Team and the Operations Executive Group. Building and nurturing relationships across Operations and the broader organization will be key to our ongoing success.

The EM&R team, within National Regulation & Monitoring (NRM) in Operations, currently comprises five teams responsible for regulation of Producer Responsibility Waste markets, Climate markets, National Income Service, and Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Carriers, Brokers, and Dealers. The team includes approximately 550 staff and is expected to grow. We work closely with other parts of Operations, Environment & Business, Legal Services, and government partners.

Experience and Skills Required

• Proven operational leadership across large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience in delivering complex work programmes and implementing new ways of working through others.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and secure commitment from Boards, policy groups, Defra, DESNZ, industry, and regulatory bodies.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of briefing both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, influence stakeholders, and deliver results through others.
• Experience managing change and navigating high-profile political and regulatory challenges.
• Ability to translate complex technical and data insights into clear, meaningful outcomes for diverse stakeholders.

The role requires autonomy, translating regulatory policy into impactful delivery, and navigating complex political and regulatory environments. A professional qualification in any discipline is preferred.

Contact and Additional Information

Responding to incidents is central to our work. You will be expected to participate in incident response and business continuity support, with full training provided.

Strong delegation and remote leadership skills are essential for managing specialist operational teams nationwide. We value diversity and experiences that enhance our organizational strengths.

This role reports to Malcolm Lythgo, Director of Operations, National Regulation & Monitoring. A virtual briefing on 28th May 2025 from 10-11am will provide more details. To attend, contact Malcolm’s PA at [e-mail]. Virtual interviews are scheduled for 28th & 29th July 2025.

Additional Notes

Please note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service, and appointment does not confer Crown Servant status or continuous service. Applicants from local government or similar bodies may be eligible for certain employment rights. For further information, contact your HR department.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting flexible working arrangements and guaranteed interviews for candidates with disabilities. We use government frameworks for external recruitment and do not engage directly via post, email, or phone. To become a supplier, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier.