Reference number
488097
Salary
£105,000 – A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
SCS Pay Band 2
Contract type
Permanent
Type of role
Senior leadership
Working pattern
Full-time
Location
This role can be based at either of Cefas locations in Lowestoft or Weymouth. Regular attendance at the other site, in London and visiting partners and stakeholders will be required.
About the job
Job summary
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the government’s marine and freshwater science agency, providing the evidence and expertise needed to support healthier ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and a resilient economy. As an Executive Agency of Defra, Cefas brings together applied science, data and operational capability to inform decisions on some of society’s most complex environmental challenges. Its work spans food security, clean energy, aquatic animal health and climate resilience, with partnerships across government, industry and academia both nationally and internationally. The organisation is now entering an important new chapter, modernising its scientific capabilities and investing in infrastructure, including a new research vessel.
Job description
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is the government’s marine and freshwater science agency, providing the evidence and expertise needed to support healthier ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and a resilient economy. As an Executive Agency of Defra, Cefas brings together applied science, data and operational capability to inform decisions on some of society’s most complex environmental challenges. Its work spans food security, clean energy, aquatic animal health and climate resilience, with partnerships across government, industry and academia both nationally and internationally. The organisation is now entering an important new chapter, modernising its scientific capabilities and investing in infrastructure, including a new research vessel.
Cefas are seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to lead the organisation through its next phase of development. Reporting to Defra’s Director General for Environment, you will set strategic direction, champion scientific excellence and ensure that Cefas’s evidence and advice deliver lasting public value.
This is one of the most significant scientific leadership roles in Defra Group. You will bring together scientists, policymakers and partners to ensure that trusted evidence supports government priorities and informs decisions nationally and internationally. You will oversee delivery of a new research vessel, modernise the use of data and technology, and strengthen the organisation’s capacity to respond to marine and freshwater emergencies. As Accounting Officer, you will ensure strong governance, financial stewardship and organisational performance while building an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leading a complex organisation through significant change, alongside the judgement and credibility to engage senior stakeholders and specialist teams. A scientific background is not essential, but you will demonstrate an appreciation of how science and evidence inform decisions. You will have experience of overseeing major capital or infrastructure programmes coupled with the ability to build influential partnerships across organisational and sector boundaries.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally important organisation with an international reputation at a pivotal moment. Cefas’s science will help shape the future of our rivers, seas and oceans, balancing environmental recovery with economic prosperity. As Chief Executive, you will play a central role in ensuring that this expertise delivers lasting benefits for nature and society.
Person specification
We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader who can set a clear direction, bring people with them and ensure Cefas’s science delivers exceptional public value. Cefas is seeking an exceptional organisational leader. Candidates do not need to be scientists themselves (although those with scientific backgrounds are welcome to apply), but they must be able to lead a specialist scientific organisation, command credibility with technical experts and ensure that science and evidence are translated into practical outcomes.
