Chief Executive Officer Full Time

Location: Weybridge, York, Newcastle, Bristol, Worcester, Exeter, Cardiff, Carlisle, Stafford. Other locations may be considered subject to Defra or APHA presence and capacity. Please note that there is an expectation of extensive and overnight travel – you will need to attend Weybridge, as APHA’s Headquarters, on at least a weekly basis and travel to London.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) plays a nationally important role in protecting the UK’s biosecurity.

It delivers functions that are critical to animal and plant health, and which in turn secure human health and confidence in the food supply chain. The regulatory underpinning provided by the Agency, is also integral to our ability to be a successful food trading nation.

APHA is a world-leading Agency, respected around the world and at the farm gate. It is on a transformation journey, modernising and digitising its operations to continue to rise to the challenges of biosecurity risks in a global world, and the opportunities of developments in science and technology. Our work is fundamental to our ability to respond to Zoonotic disease pandemics, as our work through Covid-19 illustrated, and our scientific research and contribution to policymaking is widely respected. APHA also provides services to the Scottish and Welsh Governments, other government departments and a range of other customers.

Our Weybridge site, one of only 30 specialist and complex scientific facilities and laboratories site in the world, is also undergoing a 10 year, £1bn+ programme of redevelopment.

It is a very exciting time to join us.

We will be looking to the Agency’s new CEO to shape how can best respond to these new opportunities as well as delivering our ambitious transformation programme.

We are looking for a leader who will bring vision, inspirational leadership and a track record of successful operational delivery in a complex environment to make sure the Agency continues to deliver its pivotal role to the UK’s biosecurity. You will be comfortable leading crisis response and be able to carry the confidence of a broad variety of stakeholders across Government and externally too.

You don’t need to be a scientist or a vet, but you do need to share our commitment to the critical role APHA plays in delivering world-class services for the benefit of society, the environment and the economy.

If you are excited by the prospect of the challenges and opportunities this role represents and want to play a central role in the UK’s biosecurity, we want to hear from you.

Applications from suitably qualified candidates in both the public and private sectors are actively encouraged.

For more information and to apply, please click Apply.

For a confidential discussion please contact out recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson:

Duncan Ewart – Duncan.ewart@gatenbysanderson.com
Orla Brennan – Orla.brennan@gatenbysanderson.com
Julie Myers – Julie.myers@gatenbysanderson.com

Defra Group values and promotes diversity and is committed to equality for all.

Apply before 17:00 on Wednesday 12 June 2024.

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