Principal Investigations Manager - Interim Office for Environmental Protection

When breaches of environmental law occur, your team will lead the investigation

About us

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) is a new public body, which will be the cornerstone of the UK’s environmental governance system following our departure from the EU. From climate change to biodiversity loss, we will hold government to account on its environmental commitments. We will also offer independent oversight and advice on environmental law and other matters relating to the natural environment. 

Until is it legally established as a Non-Departmental Public Body, the Interim OEP will be a division within The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Initial challenges will include developing the OEP strategy and enforcement policy, producing an independent assessment of progress in relation to the government's 25-Year Environment Plan, and determining how the OEP will form and operate.

About the role

Working alongside two Complaints Managers, you will be responsible for leading our Complaints, Investigations and Enforcement team. This means overseeing the workload and performance of the team, managing resources flexibly to meet changes in demand.

Your particular focus will be the development, maintenance and application of the OEP’s approach to investigations.  Although you will advise on complaints, most of your team’s investigative workload will derive from other sources such as environmental law monitoring. Together you will assess priorities, conduct investigations and negotiate with public authorities to identify appropriate solutions and remedies. Occasionally you will escalate cases and embark on enforcement action. ? ?

About you

We’re looking for someone with the enthusiasm and determination to investigate important matters of public compliance with environmental law.?You’re likely to have experience of undertaking investigative and enforcement activities, where you have been required to interpret and apply the law. You should also have experience of leading an operational service, including the management of people, processes and performance.  Capable of analysing a range of evidence to inform decisions and make clear recommendations to senior leadership, you’ll also be able to negotiate effectively to reach agreements and find solutions between different parties. Excellent project management skills are essential.

Benefits

We aim to support the professional and personal wellbeing of everyone in Defra. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working and a variety of learning and development opportunities.