Head of Natural Resource Management Advisory

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A public environmental organization in the UK seeks a Head of Natural Resource Management Policy. The successful candidate will lead strategic planning and policy advice for biodiversity and conservation. Responsibilities include managing a department of 250 staff and engaging with governmental bodies. Candidates should demonstrate leadership skills and have a basic understanding of the Welsh language. This role offers substantial benefits including a Civil Service Pension Scheme and generous leave entitlements.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension Scheme

28-33 days annual leave

Professional development support

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams and managing substantial budgets.
• Knowledge of environmental protection and resilience strategies.
• Ability to integrate across various natural resource management areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and environmental planning for ecosystems management.
• Integrate various areas of advice to meet strategic priorities.
• Establish relationships with governments and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Policy Development

Biodiversity and Conservation

Collaboration

Welsh Language Understanding (A1)

Job description

The role

We in Natural Resources Wales constantly advise people, businesses, other public bodies, local authorities and others on how to achieve "sustainable management of natural resources" (SMNR). We use the full range of tools for delivery - regulation, grants, partnerships, land ownership, advice, advocacy - and have responsibilities across the full range of environment interests - from the health of a population of rare lichen on the slopes of Yr Wyddfa to the environmental impact of a nuclear power station.

As we head up the central advisory function, we integrate our expert advisory services and shape programmes to deliver SMNR at an ecosystem level. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

About us

Our Corporate Plan sets out 3 Well‑being Objectives to 2030: Nature is recovering, Communities are resilient to climate change, and Pollution is minimised, all delivered through our core duty of SMNR. A fourth well‑being objective shapes our transformation to a still more efficient and effective organisation.

What you will do

As a member of the core leadership team you will help lead our transformation to a still more effective and efficient organisation. In your role as Head of Natural Resource Management Policy you will:

• Lead strategic and environmental planning for environmental protection and resilience of inland water, land, and marine ecosystems across Wales.
• Lead on strategy, planning, policy and advice for how we deliver our objectives on biodiversity and conservation; climate change; the energy sector; recreation and access to the countryside; development planning and landscape; Public Service Boards and Area Statements; and embedding wellbeing of future generations and SMNR in our ways of working.
• Lead integration across all advice areas to support natural resource management strategic priorities and outcomes.
• Head up a department of approximately 250 staff with a budget of c£29 M per year.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with Welsh & UK Governments and other bodies with responsibilities and interest in your policy and strategic planning functions.
• Support innovative approaches for delivery through both direct and enabling activities.
• Build constructive relationships with customers and partners to secure collaborative delivery of outcomes at local, regional and national level.
• Work with relevant Heads of Service, Operations and Business and other colleagues across NRW to lead delivery of outcomes set out in our Corporate Plan through integrated policy advice, strategy development and operational delivery.
• 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 through the effective use of your personal development plan (Sgwrs).
• Take on 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. Welsh language level: A1 (basic understanding and pronunciation). NRW offers learning options and staff support to meet this requirement.

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme).
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days, with generous leave entitlements for all your life needs.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support, including a weekly wellbeing hour.

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

Equal opportunities

We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under‑represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender re‑assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria and comply with Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are considered an asset; we encourage and support staff to learn and develop.