Water Planning Team Leader

Team / Directorate: Sustainable Water Group / Evidence, Policy and Permitting

Starting salary: £52,268 rising to £57,726 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: Week commencing 19 May 2025

Post number: 201321

The role

To mange the water planning team in line with NRW's values. You will lead on a broad range of strategic, legislative and environmental issues related to the collaborative development and delivery of integrated plans to improve the water environment.   You may also act as the technical lead for your specialist area and you will provide expert advice and knowledge to the Welsh and UK Governments to shape and inform legislative change, government policy and stakeholder agendas under your assigned area of work. You will translate legislation, Welsh Government policy and NRW organisational strategy into practical approaches for frontline delivery in a regulatory/operational environment.

Managing a team of 12 across Wales focussed an a diverse range of work including Water Framework Directive Regulations River Basin Management Plans, the National Environment Programme, Nature and Climate Emergency fund, chemicals and hydro morphology. The role is critical to bring together planning for water across Wales and then actions to address impacts. Sitting in Environment, Policy and Permitting this post is part of the Water and Nature Group reporting to the Water and Nature manager. Hybrid working with some travel expected to manage a diverse team.

As an organisation we support flexible working.  You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Rhian Thomas at rh.thomas@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk 

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.

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.

What you will do

• Lead a large team of professional specialist advisors and, as well as being a recognised specialist in their own field, lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes.
• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues, such as  Guidance preparation, that require development of policies, strategies, plans, programmes for NRW and relevant sectors/partners.
• Retain ownership and oversight of Integrated Water Planning policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, Central Government and EU Policy intent.
• Provide statutory advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
• Commission evidence & project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
• Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to integrated water planning.
• Collaborate with the Manager to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
• Be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

1. Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to Water and environmental management; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in water and environmental management; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
2. Knowledge and practical understanding of how to overcome the complex priorities, drivers and barriers faced by NRW, partners and stakeholders involved in delivering management of water quality and water resources outcomes in Wales. 
3. Experience of: Working at a national, UK and international level managing a portfolio of work programmes related to WFD.
4. Experience of: In-depth understanding of the water management topic and the complex range of drivers and barriers to delivery.
5. You will be a member of CIWEM or another relevant professional technical institution and/or managerial institution and/or working towards membership.
6. Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
7. Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.

Welsh language level requirements

• Essential: A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)

Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Benefits 

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97%
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
• generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
• commitment to professional development
• health and wellbeing benefits and support
• weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose

See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.

Please keep reading

If you think you have what it takes to do this role, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the role with you in more detail.

We’re passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of disability, neurodivergence, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, gender expression and gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, culture, or religion.   We put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity and respect at the heart of our values.

We are committed to equal opportunities and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.

We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.  

We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards.  Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills. 

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