Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation - 30904

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

Job summary

The Environment Agency is seeking a Deputy Director for Environmental Markets & Regulation to lead operational teams in delivering regulatory frameworks. This role involves strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and navigating complex regulatory environments, contributing to a Net-Zero economy. Candidates should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with proven operational leadership experience.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven operational leadership across large, diverse teams.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and secure commitment.
• Experience managing change and navigating regulatory challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management of operational teams.
• Collaborate with government and industry for effective delivery.
• Manage competing priorities and influence outcomes.

Skills

Operational leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

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 the regulation of 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 in 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 manage National Income Services.

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

In this role, you will 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 offer 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 activities.

Your leadership will promote health, safety, wellbeing, continuous improvement, and diversity, equality, and inclusion. You will bring strategic thinking, foster supportive teamwork, and excel in delegation and negotiation.

While leading inclusively, 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 continued success.

The EM&R team within National Regulation & Monitoring (NRM) comprises five teams, responsible for regulating Producer Responsibility Waste markets, Climate markets, National Income Service, and Hazardous Waste, Chemicals, Carriers, Brokers, and Dealers. Currently, around 550 staff, with plans for growth, work closely with various internal and external stakeholders including Environment & Business, Legal Services, government, and industry.

Experience and Skills Required

• Proven operational leadership across large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience delivering complex work programmes through others and implementing innovative working methods.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and secure commitment across 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 outcomes, 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 stakeholders.

The role requires autonomous operation, translating regulatory policy into impactful delivery. The successful candidate will navigate complex political and regulatory environments, representing the organization and building stakeholder trust. A professional qualification in any discipline is preferred.

Additional Information

Responding to incidents is a core part of the role, and availability to respond or support during incidents is required. Full training will be provided.

Effective remote leadership and delegation skills are essential for managing teams nationwide. We value diversity of background and experience, which enhances our organizational strength.

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

Please note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and offers no continuous service benefits. Applicants from local government or other bodies listed under the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999 may be eligible for continuous service for redundancy calculations. Contact your HR for clarification.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome flexible working arrangements, including job sharing. We guarantee an interview for applicants with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.

The Environment Agency uses government frameworks for external recruitment and does not engage directly via post, email, or phone. Interested suppliers should visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier for more information.