Interim Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment

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

Job summary

An environmental regulator in Scotland is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to oversee strategic objectives and performance. This role involves managing a multi-disciplinary team, implementing corporate strategies, and leading transformation efforts to drive positive change in environmental regulation. A strong background in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement is essential. Applicants should send their CV to the designated contact for a confidential discussion.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Support for individuals with disabilities

Commitment to equality and diversity

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in a complex organization.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and transformation.
• Demonstrated success in governance and performance delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing multi-disciplinary function.
• Implement corporate strategy and drive transformation.
• Oversee resource planning and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Change management

Communication

Job description

Interim 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 visionary 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 communities, industries, and government bodies to innovate and deliver a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable nation.

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

About this role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join SEPA’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) on an interim basis as Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Regulation, Business & Environment.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Regulation, Business & Environment will serve as a key member of SEPA’s Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), with strategic oversight of regulation and environmental performance. This executive 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 be the executive lead for a broad, multidisciplinary portfolio covering the full journey of regulation from application and authorisation to compliance and enforcement, ensuring that environmental regulation drives positive change.

Role Accountabilities

• Lead and manage a high-performing, multi-disciplinary function, aligned to SEPA’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the CEO and CLT to implement corporate strategy and drive transformational change through SEPA’s “One SEPA Modernisation” programme.
• Inspire and guide SEPA’s people, fostering a culture of inclusion, development, and innovation.
• Oversee effective resource planning and performance management, including budgeting, risk management, and governance.
• Represent SEPA at the highest levels with stakeholders, external bodies, and government agencies.
• Ensure regulatory activities contribute to Scotland’s journey to Net Zero and support economic and environmental resilience.
• Drive continuous improvement across your portfolio, ensuring delivery against corporate KPIs.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and policy influence by drawing on environmental data, research, and best practice.

Person Specification

• Extensive leadership experience in a complex, comparable organisation.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, transformation, and change management.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, governance, and performance delivery.
• Experience in financial and people management, including budget oversight and risk control.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Strategic and creative thinking with sound decision-making in complex environments.
• Skilled communicator with strong influencing and negotiating abilities.
• Deep understanding of public sector governance and environmental policy contexts.
• Passionate, resilient, and able to lead by example with openness and integrity.
• Capable of building constructive partnerships and representing SEPA confidently at senior levels.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV to Kirsten Hendry, Director at FWB, at [e-mail] . For an initial confidential discussion, contact her on 0131 539 7087 .

At SEPA, we value your wellbeing and want you to be your best inside and outside of work. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all our employment practices and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

SEPA are a registered Disability Confident Employer, which means we’re committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible for all. We actively encourage applications from people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, and we work to ensure that every candidate and employee has the support they need.

Apply Now

To apply, please send your CV to Kirsten Hendry, Associate Director at FWB to [e-mail] or for an initial confidential discussion, please contact her on 0131 539 7087.

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Interim Chief Operating Officer – Regulation, Business & Environment

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