Principal Technical Officer – Carriers, Brokers and Dealers - Regulatory Reform, WCAT, National

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-profile, fast-paced programme of work that will shape the future of regulation. You’ll work at the heart of a collaborative, forward-thinking team, where your expertise and leadership will make a real difference.

We’re hiring a Principal Technical Officer to lead vital work on the regulatory reform of the Carriers, Brokers and Dealers (CBD) regime. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of environmental regulation while supporting and guiding a team of Senior Technical Officers.

In this pivotal role, you’ll provide technical leadership and drive improvements across the CBD regime and wider business. You’ll play a key part in delivering reform outcomes that matter.

• Leading key work streams across permitting, enforcement, and guidance delivery, overseeing Senior Technical Officers and delivering through others
• Supporting policy development and contributing to the wider regulatory reform agenda
• Assisting the Project Technical Lead with charges, compliance, and the target operating model

This role is part of the Waste Controllers and Tracking (WCAT) team, within Waste Industry Regulatory Services (WIRS) under National Operations. We are a high-performing, geographically dispersed team delivering priority technical work that supports waste regimes and leads national projects. The Carriers, Brokers and Dealers (CBD) regime is jointly managed by E&B Waste Regulation and WIRS, who lead the organisation’s CBD efforts, supporting government, industry, and colleagues.

You’ll need a strong understanding of waste compliance, environmental regulation, and enforcement processes within the waste industry.

Confident in influencing, persuading, and communicating, you’ll have a strong customer and partner focus—delivering results through others across the business and with external stakeholders.

You’ll work closely with Defra and a wide range of waste partners, so an awareness of their needs is essential.

• Work independently and manage your workload effectively
• Take ownership of your role, set high standards, and follow through
• Plan and deliver complex tasks to tight and changing deadlines
• Build and maintain strong working relationships
• Experience of managing staff is desirable

Office base is flexible. You will need to be comfortable with working in a dispersed team. The role will require travel to London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Bristol and other locations.

More information about the role and the application process can be found in the candidate pack.

Please contact Al Martin ) for further information about the post or the team.

Interviews will take place during March 2026 and will be conducted virtually.

If you consent to join a reserve list, we may offer you an alternative post within six months.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit  for more information.

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