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
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is seeking a Senior Development Planning Advisor to lead on complex, high-profile casework within the Development Planning Advice Service (DPAS). This role offers a unique opportunity to influence major development proposals across Wales—including infrastructure, housing, transport, and agriculture—ensuring environmental priorities are central to decision-making. You will provide expert advice to Planning Authorities, Welsh Government, and applicants on matters including conservation sites, European Protected Species, flood risk, water quality, air quality, contaminated land, and landscape. Collaborating with technical specialists across NRW, you will deliver robust, evidence-based guidance supporting sustainable outcomes that align with national priorities for climate, biodiversity, and natural resource management.

Key responsibilities include overseeing advice on Local Development Plans and sub-regional strategies, producing advice for nationally significant infrastructure projects, contributing professional judgement on strategic and complex proposals, attending appeals and inquiries, and providing operational input to NRW policy and guidance development. You will also mentor colleagues, manage continuous improvement projects, and maintain auditable records to ensure legal and procedural compliance.

This role supports flexible working and is contracted to the NRW office in Bangor with a suitable hybrid working arrangement. Your work will directly contribute to improving the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales, making this a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting impact within a respected, forward-thinking environmental planning service.

Experience
- Substantial experience in environmental assessment and development planning processes.
- Significant understanding and experience of the development sector.
- Experience in community liaison and public engagement related to major projects.
- Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Experience managing projects and leading virtual task groups.
- Ability to analyse complex information, solve problems, and make sound judgements.
- Experience coaching and mentoring colleagues.

About you
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills, able to represent technical and strategic aspects of development planning to non-specialists.
- Collaborative mindset with strong self-management and organisational skills.
- Ability to influence at a strategic level.
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Welsh Language skills: Essential level B2 (Upper intermediate); Desirable level C2 (Higher proficiency).

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