Head of Risk Assessment

Role Overview

Working within the Information and Science Directorate, you will co-lead a large, specialist unit covering areas including chemical, microbiological, allergy and radiological risk assessment, as well as market authorisations. You will bring strategic insight, visible leadership and scientific credibility to a role that offers real influence across the organisation and with senior partners across government, academia and industry.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the unit delivers timely, robust and fit for purpose scientific advice, drawing on expert committees, national and international expertise, commissioned research and emerging evidence.
• Supporting continuous improvement in how evidence, data, tools and methodologies are used, encouraging innovation while maintaining the quality and integrity of technical outputs.
• Managing senior team members, developing capability across the unit and contributing to wider divisional planning, prioritisation and resource management.
• Overseeing budgets, supporting incident and authorisation workstreams, acting as senior responsible owner for projects where required, and representing the function with confidence to internal and external audiences.
• Contributing to wider organisational leadership, helping to drive change, strengthen communication and support cross-cutting priorities.