Environmental Lead Advisor

Yorkshire Water; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional water services provider based in Leeds is seeking an experienced Environmental Lead Advisor. In this role, you will provide invaluable guidance on environmental regulations and permitting while negotiating with the Environment Agency. Your expertise will influence compliance and risk management across our operations. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a relevant field and experience in water industry regulations, allowing you to ensure the company meets all required environmental standards and permits. This role supports flexible working arrangements and offers a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary starting from £40,760

Annual bonus

Attractive pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Life assurance cover

Health cash plan scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in environmental subjects.
• Previous experience in environmental legislation relating to water activities.
• Experience in applying for environmental permits.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on environmental regulations.
• Resolve regulatory issues with the Environment Agency.
• Maintain understanding of impacts of company activities on the environment.

Skills

Knowledge of water industry functions

Understanding of environmental legislation

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in environment, geography or law

Job description

Environmental Lead Advisor – Yorkshire Water

As our Environmental Lead Advisor you will provide expert advice to the business on matters concerning environmental regulation, permitting and modelling. You will resolve regulatory issues and risks by effectively influencing negotiations with the Environment Agency nationally and regionally on current and future environmental legislation and regulatory interpretation that impact on permitted and licensed activities.

You will develop and maintain an understanding of the impact of company activities on the environment and support the business in developing responses—e.g. reviewing all water service discharges or abstraction licences to ensure YW has the correct regulatory permissions in place (exemptions, permits, licences). Your advice will cover the impact of new, changed and existing environmental legislation where a precedent does not already exist, such as the proposed move from water resources licences to environmental permits. Work with the EA and internal colleagues to establish the requirements—permit conditions and applicability to abstraction activities.

We are proud to serve the Yorkshire region and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds to apply.

Responsibilities

• Good knowledge of the main functions of the water industry and relevant regulators.
• Good understanding of all relevant pieces of environmental legislation related to the water industry.
• Excellent understanding of the various environmental permissions required by the business.
• Excellent understanding of licences for abstraction and impoundment.
• Excellent understanding of environmental permitting for water discharges, waste operations, bespoke and standard rules permits.
• Good understanding of environmental science, particularly related to water industry.
• Ability to define and document investigation scope, including any monitoring requirements (as required by specialism).
• Full understanding of the key environmental guidance and regulatory approaches adopted by the environmental regulator in regard to the company's activities.
• Ability to build, maintain and embed improved business processes in own area of work.
• Numerate and has ability to analyse and interpret complex data.
• Ability to work with other teams, whilst understanding differing priorities.
• Ability to coach and mentor others on technical issues and leadership skills.
• Strong written and oral communication, e.g. complex technical reports and briefs to senior management.
• Strong interpersonal skills, which are used to effectively influence and negotiate on environmental regulatory matters at a regional and national level.

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree (or equivalent) in relevant subject (e.g. environment, geography, law).
• Previous experience in environmental legislation relating to water industry activities.
• Previous experience gained within the water industry.
• Previous experience in applying for Environmental permits or licences.
• Previous experience in waste classification and the definition of waste code of practice.
• Experience of delivering against challenging business targets.
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, depending on experience from £40,760.
• Annual incentive related bonus.
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).
• Development opportunities in line with the Environmental Lead Advisor progression plan.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day.
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.
• A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme.
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more.

Working Conditions

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can) to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We will discuss part‑time or flexible working options for this role.

Application Process

Closing date for this role will be 18th July. Interviews will take place during the working week of 28th July and the working week of 4th August. Please upload an up‑to‑date copy of your CV with a cover letter, outlining your relevant experience for the role. If you feel this opportunity is suitable and you match the skills required, you may apply online and complete the application process.

Pre‑employment checks will include a Basic Disclosure Check carried out through a third‑party company prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through a security vetting process for either a Counter‑Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.

We reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date should the need occur.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are proud to serve the Yorkshire region and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage candidates from all different backgrounds to apply.