Head of Knowledge and Evidence

Team / Directorate: Knowledge and Evidence / Evidence, Policy and Permitting

Starting salary: £74,460 rising to £80,072 per annum through annual increments being paid each year (pro rata for part time applicants)

Contract type: Permanent

Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week (Part time, annualised hours, compressed hours or term time working considered - discussions at interview stage welcome)

Interview date: 12/13 June 2025

The Opportunity

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is at the heart of making sure Wales natural resources are being used sustainably so that future generations can benefit from them. If you want to put your scientific leadership skills to good use and get involved in exciting projects which impact the lives of everyone here in Wales, we want to hear from you!

Offering agile working, flexible working and remote working with generous annual leave allowances, civil service pension, CPD and a wide range of health & wellbeing benefits ensures that Natural Resources Wales remains an employer of choice for job seekers across Wales and beyond. NRW are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. They embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of disability, neurodivergence, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, gender expression and gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, culture, or religion. They put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity, and respect at the heart of their values. NRW are committed to equal opportunities and guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Role

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) continuously make complex and fascinating decisions that integrate environmental, economic and social considerations in pursuit of their core objective of sustainable management of natural resources (SMNR). They are seeking a leader to run the department that enables them to use their knowledge and evidence to make good decisions, evaluate those decisions, learn from and adapt to the impact they have, and let others know what they are learning. As Head of Knowledge and Evidence, you will lead a team of around 90 specialists, overseeing data analysis, laboratory services and integrated monitoring programmes across marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. You will drive the evidence strategy to inform their operational delivery, policy and long-term planning. From environmental science to social research and statistics, your work will underpin NRW's commitment to SMNR. You will also play a key role on the Leadership Team supporting delivery and change for the whole organisation. You will work with senior roles in Welsh Government to advise decision-makers and influence key partners across Wales, the UK and internationally.

Requirements

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Proven experience in senior leadership roles, including strategy development and cross-sector stakeholder influence.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage across a wide range of audiences.
• Inspirational leadership qualities with a focus on enabling and empowering teams.
• Excellent judgement and decision-making capabilities, with a track record of achieving success and learning from experience.
• Ability to manage complex programmes and translate evidence into actionable insights.
• Welsh language skills at A1 level essential, with B2 desirable (training can be provided).
• Commitment to equality, personal development, and the wellbeing of your team.

Reward

Aside from working on meaningful projects that positively impact the people of Wales, the successful applicant for this Head of Knowledge and Evidence role will be rewarded with the following:

• Salary of £74,460 - £80,072 per annum
• Civil service pension scheme
• Variety of working patterns
• 28 days annual leave (increasing annually to 33 days)
• CPD ranging from practical to further and higher education courses
• Active & sustainable travel benefits such as Cycle to Work and season ticket loans
• Payment of professional membership fees relevant to your role

Think This Ones for You?

Please contact Branwen Johns at Yolk Recruitment who can provide you with the full candidate pack. Please provide a CV and a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role (max 800 words). Closing date for applications is Midday on 2nd June 2025. Interviews will be held in person in Cardiff on 12th or 13th June 2025. Yolk Recruitment is the exclusive recruitment partner to Natural Resources Wales and therefore all applications will be managed by the team at Yolk following NRW's own fair and transparent recruitment process.