At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Corporate Resources team and ensure effective financial stewardship.
- Company: Qualifications Wales, the independent regulator of qualifications in Wales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, civil service pension, 31 days annual leave, and relocation support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education in Wales while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified in HR, ICT, Finance, or related fields with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
We're pleased to be supporting Qualifications Wales with the appointment of a new Executive Director of Corporate Resources. 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.
Key Information
- Location: Newport with a hybrid approach.
- Contract: Permanent and full-time; requests for alternative working patterns can be discussed at interview.
- Salary: £92,000 - £101,000 depending on experience, along with civil service pension (employer contribution of 28.97%), 31 days' annual leave, and other competitive benefits.
- Relocation support could be considered.
- Deadline: 22nd March 2026
Job Purpose
Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Executive team, the Executive Director – Corporate Resources will provide strategic leadership to the Corporate Resources directorate and be an active member of the executive team contributing to leadership across the whole organisation. This post holder will be personally responsible to the Chief Executive for overseeing the financial stewardship of Qualifications Wales, management of its human and financial resources and assets, the fulfilment of its statutory and regulatory obligations, and compliance with other relevant legislation. They must ensure that high standards of corporate governance are in place, both within the directorate and across all areas of the organisation. This post holder will also be responsible for ensuring that the organisation receives excellent service from Corporate Resources teams to support our regulatory and policy work in a timely and cost‑effective manner.
Summary of Requirements
- Professionally qualified in at least one corporate specialism (HR, ICT, Finance (CCAB qualified), Corporate Governance, Facilities or Procurement).
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to represent the organisation with other public bodies, building relationships that lead to mutually beneficial collaboration.
- An ability to inspire and motivate professionals through a period of change and innovation whilst engendering consistent and accountable approaches to work.
- Extensive experience of working in a strategic leadership role, able to demonstrate a track record in:
- Managing corporate function(s) to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation.
- Motivate and enhance performance and staff development.
- Business planning and resource management.
- Supporting organisational decision making through sound governance structures.
- Leading change in systems or processes.
- Developing controls and tracking performance to enhance delivery and manage risk.
- Commercial and supplier management.
To Apply
Qualifications Wales have retained Acorn by Synergie to support and manage this round of recruitment. To learn more, please contact Acorn by Synergie. If you would like to apply, please submit the following for consideration ahead of the deadline on 22nd March 2026:
- Updated CV
- Supporting statement (maximum of 2,000 words) detailing your motivation for applying and your suitability with the person specification in consideration.
- Complete our anonymised Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring Form.
Our intention is to interview on the 16th April 2026. 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. We look forward to hearing from you.
Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.
Executive Director - Corporate Resources employer: Acorn by Synergie
Qualifications Wales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newport with a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust civil service pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive and collaborative culture focused on enhancing the educational landscape in Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Corporate Resources
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you answer questions more confidently and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable with the format. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Corporate Resources
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Executive Director - Corporate Resources. Highlight your relevant experience in corporate governance, financial stewardship, and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with what Qualifications Wales is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills match the person specification. Keep it concise but impactful – remember, you have a 2,000-word limit, so make every word count!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves strategic leadership, be sure to showcase your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've motivated teams through change and innovation. We love to see how you inspire others and drive performance!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining the team at Qualifications Wales. We can't wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn by Synergie
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Qualifications Wales and its role in the education system. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through change or innovation. Highlight how you motivated staff and enhanced performance during these times.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Given the importance of corporate governance in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with governance structures. Think about how you've implemented controls, tracked performance, and managed risks in previous positions. This will show that you can uphold high standards within the organisation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the challenges facing Qualifications Wales or how they envision the Corporate Resources directorate evolving. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and engagement with the role.
