Portfolio Director in Llandudno

Gwynedd Council offers an attractive employment package. The applicant will be required to reach the linguistic level noted as one of the essential skills in the Person Specification. We encourage everyone who applies for a job with Gwynedd Council to submit job applications in Welsh or bilingually. For further information about this post please contact Alwen Williams, Chief Executive - North Wales Corporate Joint Committee by email: swyddi@uchelgaisgogledd.cymru. Application forms and further details available from Support Service, Gwynedd Council, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH Tel: 01286 679076 E-Mail: Swyddi@gwynedd.llyw.cymru. CLOSING DATE: 10:00 AM, 22/01/2026. The interviews are scheduled to take place on the 20th of March 2026.

Values and Behaviours

• We are Ambitious – we strive to deliver the best for North Wales.
• We work Collaboratively – we share knowledge, skills, information and support.
• We do the right thing – we challenge unethical behaviour and speak out when things don’t feel right.
• We make a difference – we pursue opportunities to make a difference in North Wales.

Core behaviours for all roles

• Leadership – we all lead by example.
• Responsibility – we take responsibility for our work, performance and development.
• Respect – we respect our colleagues, partners and stakeholders.

The role holder will be expected to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct and public service values, consistent with the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Evidence of relevant continuous professional and managerial development.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Proven track record of senior leadership in delivering complex portfolios, programmes, or economic development initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of economic development, regional growth, and regeneration policy in Wales and the UK.
• Extensive experience of partnership working with local authorities, higher/further education, the private sector, and government.
• Demonstrable ability to translate strategic vision into delivery.
• Excellent political awareness and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven capability in programme management.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Commitment to the highest standards of public service and governance.

Language Requirements

For this role the following requirements are ESSENTIAL:

• Listening and Speaking – able to deal with all aspects of the job verbally in a confident manner in both Welsh and English.
• Reading and Understanding – able to use and interpret correctly any information in both Welsh and English.
• Writing – able to present written information in both Welsh and English with complete confidence.

Job Description Purpose of Role

Provide senior leadership and direction for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal in line with the region’s long-term vision for Economic Well-being. Drive and promote collaboration across the six North Wales local authorities, higher and further education, the private sector, and Welsh and UK Governments to maximise economic and social impact.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

• Collective responsibility as part of the Leadership Team for setting strategy, delivery and performance management.
• Responsible for embodying and ensuring staff with teams embody the values and behaviours of Ambition North Wales.
• Matrix management of staff and resources across the Corporate Joint Committee.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision – Be accountable to the North Wales Economic Well-being Sub-Committee for the development and operational delivery of the Vision for Economic Well-being.
• Programme & Portfolio Delivery – Lead and co-ordinate the successful delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal.
• Governance, Accountability & Compliance – Co-ordinate the decision-making process through partner councils and other agencies.
• Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement – Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with Welsh and UK Governments.
• Leadership of People & Resources – Provide clear, visible leadership that supports the development of a high-performing, motivated team culture.

Additional Duties

Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the seniority of the role to support the CEO and the wider team in delivering organisational and regional priorities.