Location
Central London with a hybrid working pattern agreed on appointment. Regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£41,132 per annum

About the Role
Are you a planning professional with strong technical expertise and a passion for shaping sustainable development? Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is seeking a Senior Development Planning Advisor to lead on complex, high-profile casework within our Development Planning Advice Service (DPAS). This is a unique opportunity to influence major development proposals across Wales—including infrastructure, housing, transport, and agriculture—ensuring environmental priorities are at the heart of decision-making.

In this role, you will provide expert advice to Planning Authorities, Welsh Government, and applicants on topics such as conservation sites, European Protected Species, flood risk, water quality, air quality, contaminated land, and landscape. You will collaborate with technical specialists across NRW to deliver robust, evidence-based guidance that supports sustainable outcomes.

Your expertise will directly influence how development takes place in Wales, ensuring alignment with national priorities for climate, biodiversity, and natural resource management. You will lead on complex and high-profile cases, mentor colleagues, and contribute to shaping NRW’s strategy and guidance.

Key responsibilities include overseeing advice on Local Development Plans and sub-regional strategies, producing advice for nationally significant infrastructure projects, attending appeals and inquiries, and providing operational input to NRW policy, process, and guidance. You will also develop and maintain effective customer relationships, influence local development projects early, and manage continuous improvement projects for the service.

NRW supports flexible working and is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning professional to make a lasting impact and help grow a respected, forward-thinking environmental planning service.

Experience
- Excellent knowledge and substantial experience of environmental assessment and development planning processes.
- Significant experience of the development sector.
- Experience of community liaison and public engagement activities related to major projects.
- Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Experience in managing projects and leading virtual task groups.
- Ability to coach and mentor colleagues effectively.

About you
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills, able to represent technical and strategic aspects to non-specialists.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve complex problems and make sound judgements.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence at a strategic level.
- Strong self-management and organisational skills.
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Welsh Language: Essential level B2 (Upper intermediate), desirable level C2 (Higher proficiency).

Qualifications
- Substantial experience in planning, environmental management, or ecological consultancy.
- Commitment to personal development through effective use of personal development plans.