[Hiring] Policy and Delivery Team Leader @Public Sector Resourcing

Role Description

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Policy and Delivery Team Leader (Inside IR35) for a 6-month contract working on a remote basis with an expectation of national travel.

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world-class delivery capability.

The government published its Waste Crime Action Plan in March 2026, setting out an ambitious programme of work to prevent waste crime, strengthen enforcement, improve intelligence and data-sharing, and accelerate the remediation of illegal waste sites. Successful candidates will be expected to work at pace across government, regulators, and operational partners to develop solutions to complex policy challenges, respond to emerging priorities, and support delivery of commitments set out in the Waste Crime Action Plan.

The roles will suit individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment, can quickly build effective relationships, navigate ambiguity, and drive progress on issues that cut across departmental and organisational boundaries. The work will be varied, highly visible, and often time-critical, requiring flexibility, sound judgement, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Leading on the development and delivery of policy responses to commitments set out in the Government's Waste Crime Action Plan.
• Taking policy from early development through to consultation, implementation, and legislative change where required.
• Working with analysts, legal advisers, operational experts, and delivery partners to develop robust evidence bases.
• Leading on submissions to ministers, providing policy briefings, and overseeing the development of briefing packs, ministerial correspondence, and Parliamentary Questions.
• Building relationships with teams across Defra, Whitehall, and arm's length bodies.
• Developing effective relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators, local authorities, enforcement bodies, industry representatives, and landowner groups.
• Working flexibly and at pace as part of a surge response capability.

Qualifications

• Stakeholder engagement experience, especially with external departments and across government, local authorities, and police.
• Experience of leading a small team.
• Experience of managing departmental activities.
• Experience of handling complex data.

Requirements

• Confident and clear communication skills, with a track record of delivering high-quality verbal and written advice to senior leaders, stakeholders, and ministers.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and rapidly changing demands, exercising sound judgement and making timely decisions without compromising quality.
• Ideally, knowledge of environmental policy, waste management, regulation, enforcement, or related areas (not essential).

Benefits

• Disability Confident: Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
• Armed Forces Covenant/Commitment: Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.