Senior Advisor (COMAH) - 31022

Environment Agency; Little Newcastle; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environment Agency is seeking a Regulatory Lead focused on implementing and overseeing COMAH regulations. This role requires close collaboration with various authorities to influence policies for improved environmental practices. Candidates should hold a relevant engineering or science degree and possess strong stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Training and development support

Qualifications

• 5 years residency in the UK required.
• Knowledge of COMAH regulations and industrial processes essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to develop and implement regulatory approaches.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve industry practices.
• Manage projects and address knowledge gaps in COMAH delivery.

Skills

Risk control

Environmental safeguards

Stakeholder relationship management

Proactive communication

Problem solving

Education

Relevant engineering or science degree

Job description

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Job Description

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We seek, embrace, and live diversity for the benefit of our staff, communities, and environment.

About the Role

The Environment Agency (EA) enforces the Control of Major Accident Hazard regulations (COMAH) in England. You will lead efforts with competent authority (CA) members to develop and implement regulatory approaches, influencing policies to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into COMAH practices.

You will collaborate with stakeholders to improve industry practices, provide expert advice and support to operational teams, and develop tools and training to ensure effective COMAH delivery. Monitoring, reporting, and managing projects to address knowledge gaps will be key responsibilities.

The role involves close work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other CA partners to coordinate efforts and promote EA’s objectives. You will represent the EA at forums and lead working groups, advising senior managers on partner engagement and risk responses.

This position includes an incident management development plan, with training provided. An additional £4750 annual salary uplift is available for candidates with a relevant scientific degree and significant industry or regulatory experience in the COMAH regime.

Team and Culture

You will join the Energy and COMAH team within the Environment & Business Directorate. We foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture that values diversity, evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation. Our team works with government, industry, regulators, and academia both nationally and internationally.

Experience and Skills

• 5 years residency in the UK
• Relevant engineering or science degree, or equivalent experience, with knowledge of COMAH regulations and practice
• Technical knowledge of industrial processes, risk control, and environmental safeguards
• Advanced understanding of COMAH regulations and application in industry
• Proactive communication skills and stakeholder relationship management
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and solve problems

Capability-based answers should demonstrate teamwork, diversity awareness, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Additional Information

The role offers flexible/hybrid working, with some travel required. Training and support will be provided. For queries, contact [e-mail]. Applications are assessed blindly based on competency questions. Interviews via MS Teams will be held within two weeks of the closing date.

If you agree to be on a reserve list, your details will be kept for 6 months, and you may be offered an alternative role.

Competencies

Legislative Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of COMAH regulations in regulatory or industrial settings.

Achieves Results: Show experience in delivering complex tasks within deadlines, ensuring safety and environmental standards.

Builds and Sustains Relationships: Provide examples of developing effective working relationships with diverse groups.

Note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; employment does not confer civil service status. We promote diversity and flexible working, including job sharing. We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet minimum criteria.