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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Regulation directorate, ensuring effective delivery of qualifications in Wales.
- Company: Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator for qualifications, promoting learner needs and public confidence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, civil service pension, 30 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping education in Wales and make a real impact on learners' futures.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and extensive experience in regulatory or qualifications contexts required.
- Other info: Relocation support available; flexible working patterns can be discussed during interviews.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
We're pleased to be supporting Qualifications Wales with the appointment of a new Executive Director of Regulation. Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator of qualifications and the qualification system in Wales. It is responsible for ensuring that qualifications and the qualifications system are effective in meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales, and for promoting public confidence in these.
Qualifications Wales has a publicly appointed Chair and Board who are accountable for the fulfilment of Qualifications Wales' statutory functions and of its obligations to Welsh Government as a Welsh Government Sponsored Body. Executive Directors have a shared responsibility for the effective leadership of Qualifications Wales, for defining strategic direction and priorities, managing control mechanisms and ensuring overall stewardship and performance management of the organisation.
Key Information
- Location: Newport with a hybrid approach, relocation support could be considered.
- Contract: Permanent and full-time, requests for alternative working patterns can be discussed at interview.
- Salary: £85,000 - £97,000 depending on experience, along with civil service pension (employer contribution of 28.97%), 30 days' annual leave, and other competitive benefits.
- Deadline: 15th June 2025
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Executive Director of Regulation will provide strategic leadership to the Regulation directorate, comprising of four teams; Approval and Designation, VQ Monitoring and Awarding Body Compliance, GQ Monitoring and Standards, and Regulatory Policy. The directorate is responsible for the development and implementation of regulatory policy, and for the ongoing review of the effectiveness of awarding bodies in their work to deliver qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales.
The post holder is accountable for the operational delivery of a range of key regulatory duties and activities and, within the scheme of delegation, is responsible for making a range of enforcement decisions in the exercise of Qualifications Wales' powers. The Executive Director is responsible for the design and implementation of an effective regulatory framework and approach that engenders positive and appropriate relationships with the awarding bodies that we regulate. The role is also the primary point of leadership in relation to operational cooperation and coordination across fellow qualifications regulators - ensuring positive relationships are maintained.
Summary of Requirements:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- A track record of effective strategic leadership and management which demonstrates the ability to build, develop and manage teams of professionals.
- Evidence of extensive experience in a regulatory or qualifications context.
- Experience of engendering a structured and effective approach to the management of programmes and projects
- A thorough knowledge of regulatory principles, and how to apply these, and managing regulatory burden.
- A thorough knowledge of the risks inherent in regulatory systems.
- A good understanding of UK qualifications systems.
- Leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead and motivate their directorate to deliver.
- Delegating delivery of operational priorities to their direct reports and supporting them in the management and leadership of their teams.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide written and oral advice.
- Diplomacy and the ability to lead and influence in a sophisticated manner.
For the full responsibilities, requirements and further information, please find the full candidate pack on our website.
To Apply
Qualifications Wales have retained Acorn by Synergie to support and manage this round of recruitment. To learn more, please find contact details on Acorn's website. If you would like to apply, please submit the following for consideration ahead of the deadline on 15th June 2025:
- Updated CV
- Supporting statement (maximum of 2,000 words) detailing your motivation for applying and your suitability with the person specification in consideration.
Our intention is to interview on Thursday 3rd July in Newport. If you have any issues with these dates or require any further reasonable adjustments as part of the process then please contact Acorn by Synergie who will be happy to assist. We look forward to hearing from you.
Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.
Executive Director - Regulation employer: S&You
Contact Detail:
S&You Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Regulation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape in Wales, particularly focusing on Qualifications Wales and its role. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within the Welsh qualifications system will help you articulate your vision and strategies during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and regulatory sectors. Attend relevant conferences or seminars to connect with current leaders in the field. This can provide insights into the expectations for the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the strategic goals of Qualifications Wales. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in a regulatory context, showcasing your ability to motivate and manage diverse groups.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent developments and changes in the UK qualifications system. Being knowledgeable about current trends and potential future changes will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your proactive approach to regulatory challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Regulation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Executive Director of Regulation position. Familiarise yourself with Qualifications Wales and their mission to ensure qualifications meet learners' needs.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Use it to detail your motivation for applying and how your experience aligns with the person specification. Be specific about your strategic leadership experience and how it relates to regulatory contexts.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience in regulatory or qualifications contexts. Focus on your leadership skills and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and projects effectively.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at S&You
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current regulatory framework in Wales and the role of Qualifications Wales. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to ensure effective qualifications and public confidence.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your strategic leadership and management abilities. Highlight instances where you've successfully built and managed teams, particularly in a regulatory or qualifications context.
✨Showcase Communication Proficiency
As communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to provide written and oral advice on complex regulatory issues, demonstrating your ability to influence and lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your decision-making skills in regulatory contexts. Think about how you would handle enforcement decisions and maintain positive relationships with awarding bodies.
