Lead Specialist Advisor

We are recruiting for a full time Lead Specialist Advisor - Industrial and Chemicals Regulation on a permanent basis

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take - to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Lead Specialist Advisor, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful - for our environment, and for your career.

On successful appointment, the contracted job title will be ‘Specialist 1’.

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Lead Specialist Advisor, that involves:

• Lead the provision of expert professional data, evidence and advice, including the development of guidance, procedures and training to support compliance, enforcement and assurance, drawing on SEPA‑held data where available
• Monitor, analyse and respond to legislative and policy developments across Scottish and UK governments, including identifying and advising on potential legislative changes to inform Government and other regulators
• Lead the investigation and management of the most complex and high‑profile cases and compliance assurance interventions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, regulators, industry and political forums to ensure the organisation’s position is effectively represented, including collaborating on joint guidance and shared ways of working to support high standards of environmental protection
• Supervise/mentor colleagues, monitor the quality of output and provide guidance, support and training where required
• Effective, demonstrable leadership skills, including strategic thinking, a clear solution focused mentality, strong collaborative skills, the ability to influence and resolve conflict, and effective project management and organisational capability
• Lead policy and/or strategy development, research and improvement for chemical and industrial activities, ensuring integration across portfolios and achieving all relevant outcomes, co‑ordinating people and financial resources
• Make regulatory recommendations, engage senior peer review where needed, and support Senior Managers in escalating significant or contentious matters
• Work collaboratively with other specialists in the team and across SEPA to ensure an informed One SEPA approach and outcome

This is a highly important role within our Regulation, Business & Environment portfolio, which means you’ll need:

• Relevant chemical or science based experience or qualification equivalent to SCQF Level 10 (e.g. relevant Degree)
• A comprehensive knowledge of the legislation and policy relating to environmental industrial regulation (including COMAH) and/or chemicals regulation (including REACH)
• Well‑developed planning, analytical and project management skills together with strong interpersonal, consultative and negotiating skills
• Written skills will be important in report composition and the presentation of complex and detailed proposals and recommendations
• Demonstrate sound judgement and strong operational knowledge to resolve varied and complex issues
• Understand, interpret and communicate technical chemical related reports, evidence and regulations
• Strong people skills, including empathy, tact and sound judgement when mentoring, supporting staff and balancing priorities

Please open the link to the Lead Specialist Advisor role profile link which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home.

• Hybrid and Flexible working…