Senior Specialist Surveyor

About the role

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Specialist Surveyor to manage its diverse landholding portfolio in North East Wales. This role involves providing expert advice on land and property matters, including valuation, acquisitions and disposals, estate management, compulsory purchase, and complex legal and contractual issues. The position supports NRW’s environmental, operational, and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative professional expertise and advice to senior management on land stewardship, legal compliance, and strategic budget management.
• Negotiate and lead the acquisition of land, value assets, and advise on legal and tax issues related to land stewardship.
• Lead and manage complex task groups and high-profile projects involving multifunctional specialist/technical staff.
• Instruct solicitors and barristers and provide information to legal agents in support of court cases, conveyancing, and litigation.
• Manage land transactions and claims settlement.
• Contribute to the development of business plans, strategy, policy, and guidance.
• Coach, mentor, and support colleagues across operations or as a technical lead for specific topics.
• Promote consistent advisory and regulatory practices across functional regimes.
• Represent NRW as a professional expert on internal and external forums at a Wales and UK level.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and management teams.
• Maintain personal professional accreditation (RICS) and ensure the latest developments in the professional field are reflected in work and strategy, policy, and guidance production.
• Maintain auditable records of actions and outcomes to justify and demonstrate that all legal and procedural requirements have been met.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Commit to NRW’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and understand its operation within the responsibilities of the post.
• Commit to personal development and that of colleagues through the effective use of a personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).

Requirements

The successful candidate must hold a full and current UK driving license due to the need for site visits or meetings with external partners. They should also be committed to NRW’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and understand its operation within the responsibilities of the post.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Full Chartered Surveyor membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• RICS Registered Valuer or a willingness to become one.
• Substantial relevant experience in the field and ability to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and personal and professional credibility.
• Excellent people management, financial management, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and programs of work.
• Confidence and ability to discuss policy and legal land stewardship issues with a range of audiences.
• Excellent inter-personal and influencing skills and the ability to develop and maintain good relationships and networks with a range of individuals and at all levels.
• Adequate negotiating skills employed to achieve the best outcome for NRW.
• Expertise in identifying areas for cost reduction and increasing income.

Additional Information

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Sara Pearson at Sara.Pearson@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk. Interviews will be face to face. (details of location will be shared in advance)

Benefits

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• 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
• 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