At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the performance of the Investment Zone Skills Programme and ensure alignment with regional objectives.
- Company: Cardiff Capital Region, a public body driving economic growth in Southeast Wales.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until 2028, competitive salary, and opportunity to impact local communities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to creating a fairer and greener economy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by building a skilled workforce for innovative industries in South East Wales.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing publicly funded programmes and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Essential qualifications, skills and experience are listed in the Job Descriptions/Person Specification which can be found under the attachments section below.
Fixed-term contract to 31st March 2028
About the Organisation:
Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is a public body that brings together the ten councils of Southeast Wales, working with the UK and Welsh Governments to attract investment, grow the regional economy and support local community endeavour. Our goal is simple - to build a stronger, fairer, and greener economy that benefits businesses and communities across the region. With half of Wales’s population and economic output, the region is well placed to continue attracting British and foreign direct investment and developing innovation and inclusive growth. The economic wellbeing aims at the heart of CCR's efforts seek to create opportunities for all.
Everyone at CCR has a role in fulfilling these ambitions. By joining our organisation, you are contributing to our mission of creating a competitive, connected, and resilient Region through the delivery of strategic interventions that nurture social and economic well-being throughout South-East Wales. At CCR, we are committed to nurturing a culture where everyone thrives. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality investment programmes, working collaboratively with partners and making a tangible contribution to the future prosperity of South East Wales, we would love to hear from you.
About the Job:
The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Investment Zone is a major long-term economic development programme delivered in partnership with the UK Government, Welsh Government, industry and regional stakeholders. Through investment in innovation, business growth, infrastructure and skills, the Investment Zone aims to accelerate growth in high-potential sectors including compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, creating high-value jobs and attracting further investment into the region.
A key part of delivering these ambitions is the Investment Zone Skills Programme, which has been established to ensure businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need to grow and innovate, while creating opportunities for people across the region to develop the skills required for future careers in priority sectors. The Skills Programme is being delivered through a commissioned delivery partner. As Contract and Performance Lead - Skills, you will be responsible for overseeing the performance of this contract, ensuring that programme activity aligns with Investment Zone objectives and delivers measurable outcomes for employers, learners and the regional economy.
Working within the Regional Growth & Investment Team and reporting to the Regional Skills & Talent Senior Manager, you will lead the performance, governance and assurance of the Investment Zone Skills Programme contract. You will be responsible for monitoring delivery against agreed outcomes and key performance indicators, ensuring compliance with contractual and funding requirements, overseeing financial performance, and providing robust reporting to support effective programme governance and decision-making. You will work closely with the commissioned delivery partner, employers, education and training providers, local authorities, and government stakeholders to ensure the programme remains responsive to industry needs and delivers maximum impact across the region.
This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in one of South East Wales's most significant growth programmes. Your work will directly contribute to building the skilled workforce needed to support innovation, business growth, and inward investment, helping to ensure the Cardiff Capital Region remains a competitive and attractive location for some of the UK's most dynamic and high-growth industries.
What we are looking for from you:
- We are seeking a highly organised and motivated individual with experience of managing publicly funded programmes, contracts, or commissioned services within a complex stakeholder environment.
- You will have strong contract management, financial monitoring, and performance management skills, together with the ability to interpret data, challenge delivery performance constructively and ensure compliance with governance and funding requirements.
- You will be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, including employers, education providers, delivery organisations, local authorities, and government partners, building productive relationships that support successful programme delivery.
- The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Experience of managing contracts, grants or commissioned programmes within a public sector or publicly funded environment.
- Strong financial monitoring, budget management, and forecasting skills.
- Experience of performance management, assurance, and compliance monitoring.
- Excellent communication, presentation, report-writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The ability to analyse complex information and make sound recommendations.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
- Experience of skills, employability, workforce development, economic development, or innovation programmes would be advantageous.
Interviews will take place: 3rd November to 6th November 2026.
Contract and Performance Lead - Skills - CCR in Cardiff employer: Cardiff Capital
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees in the Disabled Children's Services benefit from ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. The council's focus on child-centred, strengths-based practice creates a rewarding atmosphere where social workers can thrive and contribute to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract and Performance Lead - Skills - CCR in Cardiff
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We think you need these skills to ace Contract and Performance Lead - Skills - CCR in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Cardiff Capital and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff Capital
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Cardiff Capital will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Cardiff Capital.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Cardiff Capital.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Cardiff Capital. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
