Location
Central London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£45,367 per annum

About the Role
Join the Planning, Landscape and Energy Team within the Evidence Policy and Permitting Directorate at Natural Resources Wales (NRW). This role provides strategic direction for development planning, landscape, and energy across the organisation, supporting NRW’s mission to enhance resilience to climate change, promote nature’s recovery, and minimise pollution.

As Lead Planning Specialist, you will lead and project manage complex issues requiring the development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, and programmes. You will support novel, contentious, or high public interest casework and lead the creation of guidance for NRW staff and external sectors/partners. You will provide advice to Welsh Government and other bodies across Wales and the UK, reviewing and advising on policies, plans, and strategies.

You will retain ownership and oversight of the land use planning area, ensuring alignment with Welsh and UK Government approaches. Your role includes preparing compelling cases for policy change, advising on evidence needs, commissioning and managing evidence projects, and overseeing engagement plans and training to support implementation.

Additional responsibilities include commissioning monitoring and evaluation of interventions, maintaining detailed sector knowledge, contributing to task and finish groups, and steering engagement with Welsh Government on land use planning policies. You will collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver your Personal Development Plan and undertake health and safety duties appropriate to the role.

NRW is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, supporting your professional development through personalised plans and offering a supportive working environment.

Experience
- Knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to land use and spatial planning.
- Understanding of Welsh and UK Government policy drivers and strategies relevant to land use and spatial planning.
- Practical knowledge of partners and stakeholders involved in land use planning in Wales.
- In-depth expertise in one or more of the following: land use planning including development plans and Development Management, spatial planning, environmental assessment (SEA, HRA, EIA) processes.
- Experience working with Welsh Government, PEDW, PINS, Local Planning Authorities, professional bodies, businesses, and sectors.
- Experience in programme and project management, with relevant qualifications or demonstrated skills.
- Experience representing an organisation in high-profile and contentious public issues.

About you
- Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or other environmental professional body, or working towards membership.
- Ability to share knowledge and expertise to support problem solving and assist Heads of Business in Evidence Policy and Permitting.
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Welsh language skills at minimum Level A1 (entry level) with support available to improve during employment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Motivated to develop professionally through personal development plans.

Qualifications
- Membership or working towards membership of RTPI or equivalent environmental professional body.
- Project management experience and/or qualifications.
- Welsh language skills at Level A1 (entry level) essential; NRW provides learning support to meet this requirement.