National Infrastructure Planning Lead Advisor
Closing Date: 15 June 2025
Location: Flexible
Team / Directorate: Development and Planning Advice Service, Operations
Starting salary: £45,367 rising to £50,877 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)
Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)
Interview date: To be confirmed
Post number: 203898, 203899
The role
Are you ready to lead the way on Wales’ most complex and high-profile development proposals? We’re looking for an experienced planning professional to take on a strategic role influencing major infrastructure decisions across the nation.
As Lead Specialist Advisor for Development Planning (National Infrastructure), you will be the principal case manager for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in responding to nationally significant infrastructure projects. Representing NRW at Examinations and Public Inquiries, you’ll deliver authoritative written and verbal evidence on a wide range of environmental and regulatory matters.
Your advice will cover topics such as flood risk, water quality, protected species, contaminated land, designated sites and landscape. You’ll work closely with technical specialists across NRW to build robust, evidence-based responses that shape sustainable outcomes for Wales.
You’ll also play a key role in shaping service strategy and improving consistency in how we deliver advice. From developing guidance and tools to mentoring colleagues, you’ll help ensure the service remains resilient, technically strong and aligned with current legislation and policy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading NRW’s advice on the most complex and nationally significant planning applications.
- Representing NRW at statutory Examinations and Public Inquiries.
- Coordinating cross-functional input on technical and environmental issues.
- Supporting the development of strategic guidance, tools, and internal processes.
- Mentoring and coaching colleagues to build service resilience and capability.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders including Welsh Government, Planning Authorities, and statutory bodies.
This is a rare opportunity to lead the environmental planning response to major infrastructure that will shape the future of Wales. If you’re driven by impact, policy, and sustainability – we’d love to hear from you.
Interviews will be confirmed at a later date.
Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
