Monitoring Strategy and Planning Team Leader

The role

Are you ready to lead a high‑performing team working at the heart of Wales' environmental management agenda? Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is seeking an experienced technical leader to drive our environmental monitoring functions within the Knowledge and Evidence Department. Reporting to the Monitoring and Reporting Manager, you will lead a team of 10 technical specialists responsible for designing and planning NRW's environmental monitoring programmes – the vital evidence base that informs natural resources policies and our key work to respond to the nature and climate emergencies.

You will have responsibility for setting the strategic direction for NRW's environmental monitoring of land, marine, freshwater and biodiversity resources; you will work seamlessly with policy advisors, operational delivery teams, and our dedicated NRW analytical laboratory to maintain NRW's high‑class monitoring and analysis function; you will act as a key advisor to the Welsh Government ensuring national decisions are grounded in robust evidence;

and you will work to implement innovative new approaches in environmental monitoring, from cutting‑edge technology to citizen science.

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 Alun Attwood at Alun.

Attwood
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Interviews will take place week commencing 23 March 2026 through Microsoft Teams
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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.

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Natural Resources Wales welcomes applications from non‑UK citizens who are eligible to apply under this route, subject to confirmation by the Home Office. Please note that while we may be able to support the Certificate of Sponsorship required for a visa application, the organisation does not cover the cost of the visa itself, including any associated fees for dependants.

The applicant must still meet the UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Requirement. For further information, please visit:

Natural Resources Wales is the Welsh Government sponsored body with responsibility for the sustainable management, protection, and regulation of Wales' natural resources, including its land, water and wildlife.

The post will lead a national monitoring team. As a team, we value collaboration, innovation and integrity. We offer a supportive and inclusive working culture where your contributions are recognised and your professional growth is encouraged. Joining us means being part of a passionate community committed to making a real difference in the way Wales understands and responds to environmental challenges.

• Lead and manage a team of technical specialists and advisors involved in developing monitoring strategy and the planning of annual monitoring programmes.
• Be responsible for delivery of the team's workplan, maintaining and monitoring performance against agreed goals and targets.
• Recruit, manage, coach and motivate staff, maintaining an effective and appropriately skilled, and high performing, team.
• Set the strategic direction for all of NRW's environmental monitoring across air, land, freshwater and marine, ensuring it is fit to support our corporate outcomes and meet our statutory obligations.
• Be responsible for defining NRW's annual monitoring and associated laboratory analytical programmes, and the allocation of funding to support their delivery, working with the Head of Business and Head of Service for Monitoring.
• Act as a specialist lead in one or more areas of monitoring, providing expert advice and guidance to staff across the business.
• Interact with and influence a range of partner organisations working on complex and strategic monitoring projects at Wales and UK levels, often taking a lead role.
• Lead on the development of new and innovative…