At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative economic growth and regeneration strategies across two councils.
- Company: Pioneering federated councils in South Wales focused on collaboration and impact.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape public service, competitive salary, and professional development.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader in a unique role that influences regional and national public services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in programme leadership and project management; professional body membership preferred.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to tackling inequality and improving community wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent in South Wales, our councils are doing something genuinely different. As Wales’s first and only federated councils, we’re pioneering a new leadership model that brings two sovereign unitary authorities together around shared ambition, aligned leadership and collective impact. Both councils are also the first Marmot councils in Wales, embedding a clear commitment to tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and focusing on long‑term outcomes through everything we do.
This is a deliberate, innovative approach to collaboration, designed to unlock scale, capability and influence that neither council could achieve alone. It provides unprecedented scale and mandate for action to work across two distinct boroughs, with refreshing freedom to innovate and the credibility to influence regional and national conversations about how public services evolve.
It’s no exaggeration to describe this new role as a strategic anchor of our federated model. You’ll be working in close partnership with the Joint Chief Executive, providing executive leadership and operating at system level across the two councils. Responsible for our long‑term strategic direction for economic growth, regeneration, planning and placemaking, you’ll align policy, investment and delivery to maximise impact.
We’re looking forward to hearing from candidates whose experience and track record are commensurate with the scope of the role. You will have achieved substantial and consistent impact across a range of domains, with a key focus on an integrated, strategic approach to helping places and communities to flourish. Significant applied experience of programme leadership, project and contract management are all essential; strong candidates will additionally bring membership of a professional body (e.g. RTPI, RIBA or RICS) and extensive professional development.
We want to hear from people who want to build something new, operate at scale, and help shape a model of public service collaboration with national relevance. If that catches your imagination, let’s explore the possibilities together.
Closing date: 20 May 2026.
Joint Director of Economy & Place employer: Faerfield Limited
Contact Detail:
Faerfield Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Joint Director of Economy & Place
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the councils or similar roles. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils' recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their innovative approach to collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Reach out directly to the councils or related organisations. Express your interest in potential opportunities and ask about upcoming projects where you could add value.
✨Tip Number 4
Leverage our website to find roles that match your skills. We’ve got a range of opportunities that align with your experience in economic growth and regeneration. Apply through us to streamline your application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Director of Economy & Place
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the unique aspects of the Joint Director role. Highlight your experience in economic growth and regeneration, and how it aligns with our innovative approach to collaboration across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
Showcase Your Impact: We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your substantial impact in programme leadership and project management, as this will resonate with our focus on long-term outcomes.
Highlight Professional Memberships: If you're a member of a professional body like RTPI, RIBA, or RICS, make sure to mention it! This shows your commitment to professional development and adds credibility to your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape public service collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Faerfield Limited
✨Understand the Federated Model
Make sure you grasp the concept of federated councils and how they operate. Research how this model impacts decision-making and collaboration between Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. Being able to discuss this in your interview will show that you're aligned with their innovative approach.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for economic growth and regeneration in the context of the role. Think about how you can align policy, investment, and delivery to maximise impact. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate your ability to think strategically and implement effectively.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss your substantial impact across various domains, especially in programme leadership and project management. Bring concrete examples that showcase your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Joint Director role. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Engage with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the councils' commitment to tackling inequality and improving wellbeing. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. Showing genuine interest in their goals will resonate well with the interviewers.