Location
Central London with flexible working arrangements and hybrid working pattern agreed on appointment.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£45,367 per annum

About the Role
Are you ready to shape the future of how we manage and fund water quality in Wales? We’re seeking an experienced and strategic thinker to lead our water quality charging schemes at Natural Resources Wales. This rare opportunity allows you to influence environmental funding at a national level, ensuring our charging approach supports strong environmental outcomes and high-quality services. You will lead the strategic review of annual charges for water quality, creating a fair, future-focused, and financially sound charging system. As the go-to expert, you will advise across the organisation and collaborate closely with Welsh Government and key partners to translate national policy into practical delivery. Your role includes developing guidance, programmes, and strategies aligned with environmental goals and government policy, ensuring schemes are compliant, transparent, and effective.

This fixed term role runs until 30 October 2026 with the possibility of extension. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home, with any regular face-to-face meetings or training planned in advance. You will be part of the Water Quality Regulatory Approaches Team within Evidence, Permitting and Planning, contributing to policy ambition by developing tools, guidance, and training to support effective, proportionate regulation across Wales. Your expertise will help shape fair and future-ready fees and charges that support sustainable water quality regulation and reflect the services provided and ambitions pursued.

Key responsibilities include acting as principal contact with UK and European environmental regulators, sharing information and collaborating on regulatory approaches, technical advice, and guidance. You will maintain detailed knowledge of assigned sectors, support staff development through training and mentoring, lead and project manage complex issues, contribute to business and corporate plans, advise on evidence needs, and design monitoring and evaluation frameworks for regulatory interventions. You will also undertake health and safety duties appropriate to the post and support NRW’s commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

Natural Resources Wales supports flexible working and is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from under-represented communities and guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria.

Experience
- Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to your specific sector(s).
- Understanding of Welsh and UK government policy drivers in your sector(s).
- Experience informing and influencing government departments and regulators, preferably on environmental issues.
- Extensive experience forming and maintaining close links with internal and external partners and stakeholders to deliver outcomes.
- Proven ability to understand and apply regulatory activities.
- Ability to work at pace with a track record of delivery.
- Demonstrated innovation and drive to achieve targets.
- Commitment to keeping up to date with changing regulatory policy and legislation through professional membership or equivalent means.

About you
- Strategic thinker with strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
- Passionate about making a lasting impact on water environment protection and improvement.
- Able to lead complex projects and provide expert advice across multiple teams and sectors.
- Committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
- Willingness to develop personal skills through continuous learning and development.

Qualifications
- Welsh language level A1 (entry level) essential: ability to understand basic phrases and pronounce Welsh names correctly. NRW offers support and learning options to meet this requirement during employment.
- Membership of a relevant professional body or equivalent experience is desirable.

Additional Information
- Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Commitment to health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role.
- Support mentoring and coaching of advisors to ensure technical and legislative resilience within the team.