Hazard; COMAH) Principal Regulatory Officer

High Hazard (COMAH) Principal Regulatory Officer - 35809

Number of jobs available 1

Region East of England, South East

City/Town Farnham , Ipswich , Welwyn Garden City

Building/Site DEFRA GRP EA ALCHEMY, AL7 1HE
, DEFRA GRP EA GOLDCREST HOUSE, GU10 4LH
, DEFRA GRP EA ICENI HOUSE, IP3 9JD

Grade Staff Grade 6

Post Type Permanent

Role Type Operational Delivery

Working Pattern Full Time, Part Time, Part Time Term Time

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.

• Knowledge and practical application of the COMAH regime.
• Understanding of the COMAH Regulations or previous regulatory or industry experience in this regime.
• Excellent influencing skills and success in developing good relations in complex environments.
• Experience of working with partner organisations to address joint initiatives and regulatory duties.
• A strong commitment to people development with experience of training and coaching others.
• Degree in a Scientific or Engineering subject or comparable external industrial experience.
• Membership of a relevant professional body with Chartered status or working towards Chartered status.
• Full UK driving licence.

• Regulatory experience across a range of complex sites and regimes.
• Experience of delivering results through others and providing strategic and tactical direction.
• A proven track recordof taking initiative and using a continuous improvement approach.

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.

Regular travel, including site visits and fieldwork is required, along with occasional national travel and overnight stays.

Interviews will be held…