Senior Leadership

Description:

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as Deputy Director, Capital Works (Enabling & Infrastructure) for the National Biosecurity Centre (NBC) Programme. This pivotal role forms part of the UK government’s long-term investment in safeguarding national animal health, biosecurity, and agricultural resilience.

The NBC Programme is a £1 billion, 10-year redevelopment initiative focused on transforming the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) Weybridge site into a world-class science and biosecurity campus. This cutting-edge programme will deliver new high-containment laboratories, research facilities, and supporting infrastructure critical to maintaining the UK’s readiness against biological threats such as avian influenza, bovine tuberculosis, and plant diseases.

The Deputy Director of Capital Works will play a strategic leadership role in sponsoring and overseeing the enabling and infrastructure phases of this transformation. This includes preparing the Weybridge site for major construction starting in 2027, coordinating complex logistical operations to keep science operations active during redevelopment, and ensuring that all works meet the highest standards of safety, value, and sustainability.

This role demands exceptional project sponsorship capability, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and expert coordination between engineering, scientific, and regulatory stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as Programme Sponsor for enabling and infrastructure works within the NBC Programme, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

• Provide strategic oversight of site preparation, logistics, and infrastructure necessary to maintain live operations throughout redevelopment.

• Lead the Intelligent Client Function (ICF) on behalf of Defra, ensuring effective collaboration between the Delivery Partner, Technical Partner, and Defra Group Property.

• Develop and implement robust delivery strategies for all enabling works, including energy, utilities, access, and logistics infrastructure.

• Oversee the creation and management of the Master Outline Planning Application, ensuring full compliance with planning and environmental conditions.

• Manage complex interdependencies between science operations, construction activities, and regulatory obligations.

• Act as a key member of the NBC Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic governance, budgetary control, and programme decision-making.

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders including APHA, Health & Safety Executive, Home Office, Government Property Unit, and key regulators.

• Uphold biosecurity and ethical standards, ensuring all works align with Defra’s strategic mission and sustainability commitments.

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in sponsoring and overseeing major, complex capital works within an Intelligent Client or government function.

• Strong background in delivering large-scale, technical design-led infrastructure projects such as laboratories, scientific facilities, or high-containment sites.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing multi-disciplinary teams, contractors, and stakeholders to achieve high performance and quality outcomes.

• In-depth knowledge of public sector governance, investment approvals, and oversight mechanisms for major programmes.

• Sound understanding of the regulatory, financial, and legal frameworks governing technical infrastructure delivery.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Professional membership in RICS, ICE, CIOB, CIBSE, or RIBA (or equivalent).

• Accreditation at Senior or Master Practitioner level within the Government Project Delivery Profession or willingness to achieve it.

Key Behaviours (Assessed During Selection):

• Leadership – inspiring high-performing teams across disciplines and suppliers.

• Communicating and Influencing – engaging stakeholders with clarity and authority.

• Making Effective Decisions – using evidence-based judgment in complex, high-stakes contexts.

• Managing a Quality Service – ensuring excellence in delivery, safety, and governance.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary of £81,000 per annum.

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with an employer contribution worth 28.97% (£23,465 annually).

• Flexible working environment with an emphasis on work-life balance.

• Opportunities for continuous professional development and leadership training.

• Inclusive workplace culture committed to diversity, equality, and belonging.

• Generous leave entitlements and access to Civil Service benefits.

• Involvement in one of the UK’s largest scientific infrastructure investments.

Selection Process:

This role follows the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess Experience and Behaviours.

Application Deadline: 23:55, 10th November 2025
Sift Period: Week commencing 10th November 2025
Leadership Assessment: Conducted prior to interviews to inform panel decision-making.
Fireside Conversation: Scheduled for Friday, 21st November 2025 at 2 Marsham Street, London (in-person only).
Interviews: To follow, including a short presentation based on a pre-confirmed topic.

Assessment Areas:

• Leadership

• Communicating and Influencing

• Making Effective Decisions

• Managing a Quality Service

Candidates may be placed on a 12-month reserve list for similar positions across Defra.

Security Clearance:

Successful candidates must undergo:

• Security Check (SC) level clearance

• Criminal record and personnel security standard checks

Eligibility:

Open to the following groups:

• UK nationals

• Republic of Ireland nationals

• Commonwealth citizens with right to work in the UK

• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status under EUSS

• Eligible Turkish nationals under Civil Service rules