Specialist Industry & Waste Regulatory Approaches Advisor

NATURAL RESOURCES WALES; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental regulatory body in the UK is seeking a Lead Specialist Advisor to guide decarbonisation efforts across various industries such as chemicals and food. This role involves interpreting complex legislation, developing guidance on UK Best Available Techniques (BAT), and influencing climate-related policies. The position offers flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for collaboration with governments and industry stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in environmental regulation and policy development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunity for mentoring and coaching

Qualifications

• Experience in interpreting legislation related to decarbonisation.
• Ability to influence policy and develop guidance.
• Familiarity with UK Best Available Techniques (BAT) relevant to multiple industries.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on decarbonisation and standards.
• Lead the development of policies for climate change adaptation.
• Collaborate with Welsh and UK Governments and industry bodies.

Skills

Expert advice on industrial sectors

Understanding of complex legislation

Policy development

Mentoring and coaching

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape how industry is regulated in Wales, guiding our response to climate change and driving improvements in environmental performance. As a Lead Specialist Advisor in the Decarbonisation and Standards Regulatory Approaches Team at Natural Resources Wales, you will provide expert advice on industrial sectors such as chemicals, combustion, metals, cement and minerals, and food and drink. You will lead on interpreting complex legislation, developing guidance and tools, and influencing future policy to support NRW's regulatory and permitting functions.

A key focus of the role is supporting the development of UK Best Available Techniques (BAT), ensuring Welsh interests are reflected in UK-wide standards. You will also contribute to the development of policies and approaches for climate change adaptation and mitigation across industry sectors.

You’ll join a small team of specialist advisors who work collaboratively with colleagues across NRW and with Welsh and UK Governments, other regulators, and industry bodies. The role has no direct line management responsibilities, but includes mentoring and coaching opportunities and offers significant scope to shape NRW's approach at a national level.

This is a flexible, hybrid‑working role based from any NRW office in Wales, combining policy development with external engagement and project leadership.

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 Jeremy Walters [e-mail]

About us

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the main environmental regulator and adviser to the Welsh Government, committed to the sustainable management of Wales’s natural resources. Our corporate plan, Nature and People Thriving Together, sets out three well‑being objectives:

• Nature is recovering – Halt biodiversity loss and restore resilient ecosystems.
• Communities are climate‑resilient – Support adaptation and mitigation to address climate impacts.
• Pollution is minimised – Reduce pollution to protect and enhance the environment.

The Evidence, Policy and Permitting Directorate drives these goals by developing policy and strategy, gathering evidence, and providing tools, guidance, and standards for NRW teams and partners.

Within this directorate, the Industrial Decarbonisation and Standards Team leads on industrial decarbonisation and sets standards and operational policy for regulated sectors in Wales. This includes interpreting legislation, implementing climate change regulation, and representing Wales in the UK Best Available Techniques (BAT) process.