35742 - Senior Regulatory Officer - Refineries


Company:	Environment Agency
Salary:	from £43,198 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Warrington, WA4 1HT
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 4 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	7 Sept 2026
Closing date:	28 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Are you ready to make a real difference? Join our High Hazard specialist team as a Senior Regulatory Officer (SRO).

We’re committed to improving our regulatory practices and framework. To achieve this, we’re looking for a SRO to provide quality regulation across high hazard industries in England, with a particular focus on oil refineries.

This role is for a locally recognised expert, responsible for delivering regulatory activities while managing significant environmental and reputational risk. You’ll work across high hazard industries, collaborating with internal networks, partner organisations, and industry representatives to ensure a consistent regulatory approach.

The role involves leading regulation of complex and nationally significant oil refineries, assessing operators’ ability to protect people and the environment and comply with regulatory requirements. You’ll lead site inspections, investigations, and enforcement action for significant environmental incidents, alongside resolving complex technical and reputational issues.

Strong influencing and negotiation skills are essential, as you’ll regularly engage with senior industry leaders, communities and stakeholders.

You’ll provide expert input into investigations, work with partner organisations to deliver regulatory outcomes, and help shape regulatory strategy and delivery at a local level. Alongside strategic responsibilities, you will assist in planning and delivery of your team’s regulatory work programme across multiple areas.

You will be seen as a technical leader in your team therefore have a role in overseeing performance, managing quality and workload, developing less experienced staff, and contributing to workforce planning, and training to strengthen high hazard regulation.

This role attracts an additional allowance of £4,750 for specialist expertise in high hazard regulation. It is payable after appointment, provided you meet eligibility criteria. To qualify, you’ll need significant oil refineries or high hazard industry experience and a relevant degree or equivalent technical expertise.

Please read the additional information pack for further details about the responsibilities of the role.

The team

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 high hazard 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.

Apply for this job