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Environment Agency; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

COMAH specialist allowance (£4,750)

Job summary

Environment Agency is seeking a Principal Regulatory Officer to lead the COMAH regulation of major hazard sites across England. You will assess operators’ ability to prevent major accidents and protect the environment, and oversee site inspections and enforcement actions.

The role requires strong influencing and leadership skills, national scope, and collaboration with internal and external partners. Regular travel to sites is required; an office base is provided.

Qualifications

• Significant COMAH or high-hazard industry experience and a relevant degree or equivalent technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulation of complex and nationally significant COMAH sites across England.
• Plan and deliver COMAH work programmes, inspections, investigations and enforcement actions.
• Provide input to COMAH national strategy and working with Competent Authority partners.

Job description

35809 - High Hazard (COMAH) Principal Regulatory Officer

Are you ready to make a real difference? Join our High Hazard specialist team as a Principal Regulatory Officer. We’re committed to improving our regulatory practices and framework. To achieve this, we’re looking for a Principal Regulatory Officer to provide assurance on the quality of the regulatory delivery at COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) sites across England.

This role is for a nationally recognised expert, responsible for delivering complex COMAH compliance activities while managing significant environmental and reputational risk. You’ll work across high-hazard industries, collaborating with internal networks, partner organisations, and Competent Authority partners to ensure a consistent national regulatory approach.

The role involves leading regulation of complex and nationally significant COMAH sites, assessing operators’ ability to prevent major accidents and protect the environment. You’ll lead site inspections, investigations and enforcement action for serious environmental incidents, alongside resolving complex technical and reputational issues. You may also support with wider high hazard regulatory activities, including regulating oil refineries.

Strong influencing and negotiation skills are essential, as you’ll engage with senior industry leaders, communities and stakeholders.

You’ll provide expert input to national investigations, fulfil key roles within the COMAH Competent Authority, and help shape COMAH regulatory strategy/delivery at a national level. Alongside strategic responsibilities, you will plan and deliver your team’s COMAH work programme across multiple areas.

A core part of the role is leadership - overseeing performance, managing quality and workload, developing less experienced staff, and contributing to workforce planning, capability assessment, and training to strengthen COMAH regulation nationwide.

This role attracts an additional allowance of £4,750 for specialist expertise in COMAH regulation. It is payable after appointment, provided you meet eligibility criteria. To qualify, you’ll need significant COMAH or high-hazard industry experience and a relevant degree or equivalent technical expertise.

Please read the additional information pack for further details.

The team

You’ll be part of a team reporting to a High Hazard Team Leader, working with other Regulatory Officers.

You’ll work directly with site operators, while collaborating with national and local colleagues to improve COMAH delivery and assurance. Your team will deliver their regulatory plan by carrying out robust inspections, audits and investigating incidents.

You’ll have an office base location, but the role requires regular travel for site visits and fieldwork.