Full Time Specialist Team Leader

PLEASE MENTION GREENJOBS WHEN RESPONDING TO THIS CAREER OPPORTUNITY Lead Planning Specialist Role ID: 203896 Directorate: Evidence, Policy and Permitting Team: Planning, Landscape and Energy Location: Flexible Grade/Salary range: 7: £45,367 - £50,877 Working pattern: Full time Contract type: Permanent Closing date: 14/12/2025 The role As a pivotal member of our Planning, Landscape and Energy Team, you ll take the lead in shaping and delivering impactful programmes that strengthen NRW s role within the planning system including around Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and Significant Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). You ll be at the forefront of creating fresh, practical guidance and advice for NRW s operational teams, Welsh Government, developers, and planning authorities ensuring that decisions are not only well-informed but also environmentally responsible. You ll work closely with colleagues across regulatory, advisory, and operational functions, while also building and managing strategic relationships with Welsh Government and other influential stakeholders. Together, you ll help shape a more sustainable future for Wales. As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance. gov.uk Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. About us Our Planning, Landscape and Energy Team sits within the Evidence Policy and Permitting Directorate of NRW. We are responsible for providing strategic direction for development planning, landscape, and energy to the wider organisation. Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes including support on casework that is novel, contentious or of high public interest.
Lead the development of Guidance for NRW staff and for sectors/partners.
Provide advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
Retain ownership and oversight of the land use planning area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government and UK Government.
Prepare compelling cases for change to NRW policy and role of alternative interventions.
Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence & project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
Commission engagement plans and training to support roll out of outputs to NRW staff and partners/sectors.
Commission monitoring and evaluation of interventions to inform assessment of the need for change in approach by NRW and/or WG.
Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to land use planning.
Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan.
Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy , together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to land use and spatial planning. Welsh, UK Government policy drivers and strategies relevant to land use and spatial planning and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
# land use planning including development plans and Development Management, spatial planning, environmental assessment (SEA, HRA and EIA) processes.
# Working with Welsh Government, PEDW, PINS, Local Planning Authorities, professional bodies business and sectors.
# Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
# Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.

Welsh Language level requirements Essential: Level A1 - Entry level Welsh language levels Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us. Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
~28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
~ commitment to professional development
~ health and wellbeing benefits and support
~ Please keep reading We re passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are committed to equal opportunities, and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses. We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards . Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.