Senior Industry & Waste Regulation Officer

The role

Join the North East Wales Industry & Waste Regulation Team and make a real difference to the environment. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Industry and Waste Regulation Officer to play a vital role in protecting and enhancing Wales’ natural resources as part of Natural Resources Wales.

As a warranted officer, you will regulate a diverse portfolio of permitted sites across a range of industrial sectors, including chemicals, food and drink, metals, power generation, paper and textiles, cement and minerals, landfill, and waste treatment. You may also work alongside colleagues delivering interventions under the COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) Regulations at some of the highest-risk sites in Wales, or support the regulation of facilities using radioactive substances.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. Working independently and collaboratively, you will inspect regulated sites, assess compliance with Environmental Permits, and build strong professional relationships with operators. You will provide expert advice and guidance, drive environmental improvements, and take proportionate enforcement action where necessary to achieve positive environmental outcomes.

You will also be at the forefront of responding to environmental incidents, acting quickly and safely to investigate issues, assess impacts, and coordinate effective follow-up action.

We are looking for someone with significant experience in environmental regulation or within a regulated industry, a strong understanding of relevant environmental legislation, and a passion for delivering high standards of environmental protection. If you are ready to use your expertise to influence and improve environmental performance across a wide range of industries, we would love to hear from you.

Driving is essential to this role, due to site-based work, visiting and inspecting regulated sites across north and Mid Wales . This can be at short notice and on ad-hoc and unplanned basis. The role also requires the post holder to respond to incidents and complaints again these are unplanned and short notice and can vary in location and nature therefore you must hold a full and current UK driving licence.

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

Interviews will be face to face at the Buckley office week commencing 23 November 2026.

What you will do

• Assess compliance at installations, COMAH sites, waste sites and sites handling radioactive substances.
• Liaison with Counter Terrorism Security Advisors.
• Take appropriate actions to collect evidence for enforcement purposes, in accordance with defined procedures.
• Routinely lead our response to large or contentious cases/issues.
• Co-ordinate pre-application discussions with Operators and NRW Permitting Teams to aid timely, efficient and good quality permit variations, applications and surrenders.
• Where non-compliance is identified, determine and implement the most appropriate intervention option to ensure operators return to compliance as quickly as possible, with minimum environmental impact and consideration of the economic impacts.
• Work with Operators to develop medium-term regulatory strategies for the installations, including engagement with senior managers and executives within companies, to deliver multiple benefits.
• Be required to participate in technical/ strategic groups or represent NRW on external forums e.g. UK regulators’ sector groups, as required.
• Contribute to NRW Sector Groups and cross-agency sector groups as required to aid adoption of consistent regulatory approaches and the dissemination of good practices to the benefit of the environment.
• Coaching and mentoring of team members.
• Contribute to a positive health, safety and well-being culture, undertaking 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 (known as Sgwrs).
• Required to take part in incident response activities.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.