Location
Cardiff (Natural Resources Wales office, with a suitable hybrid working pattern agreed on appointment)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£41,132 - £44,988 (Grade 6)

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.

We support flexible working arrangements. Regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance. Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams between 3 - 10 December 2025. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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 management stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills to assess complex information, solve problems, and make sound judgements.
- Experience 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 both technical and strategic aspects of development planning to non-specialists.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence at a strategic level.
- Strong self-management and organisational skills.
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Willingness to engage in personal development through NRW’s personal development plan (Sgwrs).

Qualifications
- Welsh Language Level A1 (Entry level) essential: ability to understand basic phrases and pronounce Welsh names correctly. NRW offers learning support to meet this requirement during employment.
- Relevant professional experience in planning, environmental management, or ecological consultancy is required.