At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change and innovative projects for North Wales' economic growth.
- Company: Join Ambition North Wales, a key player in regional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension scheme, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and businesses while shaping the future of North Wales.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and proven senior leadership experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 74000 - 93000 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for North Wales and a desire to see the region grow and deliver on its potential? Are you ready to lead transformational change for North Wales? Join Ambition North Wales as our Portfolio Director and become the driving force behind the Region’s long-term vision for economic well-being.
This is your opportunity to:
- Shape the Future: Provide senior leadership for the North Wales Growth Deal, steering innovative projects that deliver real impact for communities and businesses.
- Champion Collaboration: Work with six local authorities, education leaders, private sector partners, and government to maximise economic and social outcomes.
- Deliver Results: Lead the planning, management, and delivery of a multi-million-pound portfolio, ensuring value for money and measurable success.
- Promote Sustainable Growth: Champion inclusive, low-carbon economic development through skills, job creation, and private investment.
- Influence Policy: Build strong relationships with regional, national, and UK stakeholders, supporting the CEO to attract investment and shape policy.
- Uphold Excellence: Ensure high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability in everything you do.
- Inspire Teams: Be a visible leader, role model Ambition North Wales values, and foster a high-performing, motivated team culture.
- Represent the Region: Act as a senior ambassador, promoting North Wales’s opportunities and achievements to partners, investors, and communities.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to lead a region towards a brighter future, we want to hear from you!
As Portfolio Director, your responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Programme and Portfolio Delivery
- Governance, accountability and compliance
- Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement
- Leadership of people and resources
We’re looking for a Portfolio Director with:
- Educated to degree level and evidence of relevant continuous professional and managerial development.
- Proven track record of senior leadership
- Strong knowledge of economic development, regional growth, and regeneration policy
- Extensive experience of partnership working
- Demonstrable ability to translate strategic vision into delivery
- Excellent political awareness and stakeholder management skills
- Proven capability in programme management
- Strong analytical skills, communication and presentation skills
- Proven leadership and people management skills
- Commitment to the highest standards of public service
The team have adopted a hybrid working model with a mix of Llandudno Junction office based and home working. In return, you will receive a salary of £84,480-£93,163 per annum plus membership of the local government pension scheme and generous annual leave entitlement. This is a full-time permanent role with Ambition North Wales.
Application Closing Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026. All application documents will need to be submitted by this date. On applying, you will be sent further instructions as to the application process. The Assessment Centre will take place during the week commencing 9th of March 2026 and the final interview with the Corporate Joint Committee on Friday 20th March 2026.
If this sounds like the Portfolio Director role for you, click the apply online button and complete the full application process. We look forward to hearing from you. North Wales is an excellent place to live and work and you could play a key role in shaping its future.
Portfolio Director employer: Ambition North Wales / Uchelgais Gogledd Cymru
Contact Detail:
Ambition North Wales / Uchelgais Gogledd Cymru Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Portfolio Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ambition North Wales and its projects. Understand their vision for economic growth in North Wales and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this is key for a role like Portfolio Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid any hiccups in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your love for North Wales shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to drive transformational change in the region.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for evidence of your leadership and economic development expertise, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Portfolio Director role. Be sure to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambition North Wales / Uchelgais Gogledd Cymru
✨Know Your Region
Before the interview, dive deep into the economic landscape of North Wales. Familiarise yourself with recent developments, key stakeholders, and ongoing projects. This will not only show your passion for the region but also demonstrate your commitment to driving transformational change.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Think about specific examples where you've led teams or projects successfully. Highlight how you inspire collaboration and foster a high-performing culture, as these are crucial for the Portfolio Director role.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to articulate your vision for economic growth in North Wales. Discuss how you would translate strategic goals into actionable plans. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your ability to deliver results and manage multi-million-pound portfolios effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves extensive partnership working, prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Share how you've built relationships with local authorities, private sector partners, and government bodies. This will highlight your political awareness and ability to influence policy.