At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in a vital public service and shape its future.
- Company: Fire and Rescue Service of Mid and West Wales, committed to community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to influence organisational culture.
- Other info: Join at a pivotal time for the service and drive lasting change.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on communities across Wales and lead with empathy.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in complex environments and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 115894 - 122261 £ per year.
Overview
Location – Headquarters of the Service, Carmarthen/Hybrid
Salary – £115,894 - £122,261 per year
This is a rare operational opportunity with significant impact to shape the future of one of the most important public services in Wales. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an outstanding Director of People and Culture to lead a fundamental transformation of its people function, strengthen organisational capability, and help build a modern, inclusive, high-performing culture.
This is not a traditional HR Director role. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping the direction of the Service. You will align the People and Culture function with the strategic priorities of the organisation, ensuring it becomes a true driver of performance, culture, and operational excellence - not just a support service.
You will lead cultural development and leadership across the organisation, embodying clear standards of performance and behaviour and building a cohesive, professional People and Culture Directorate that can sustain long-term progress.
Importantly, you will also deliver early impact - stabilising challenges, strengthening industrial relations, and fostering confidence in leadership and the wider people function.
We are looking for a senior people leader who has:
- A strong track record in complex, unionised or operational environments.
- Experience in leading organisational development and cultural transformation.
- The credibility and confidence to operate and challenge at an Executive level.
- The emotional intelligence to lead with empathy while delivering change.
- The ability to nurture leadership capability and develop high-potential teams.
You may come from within or beyond the public sector, but you will bring a clear affinity with public service values, a commitment to Wales, and an appreciation of emergency service responsibilities.
This is a central role at a defining time for the Service. If you are strongly motivated by the opportunity to lead meaningful change, influence at the highest level, and make a lasting impact on communities across Wales, we would love to hear from you.
To find out more and apply, visit Penna | Jobs or for an informal discussion about this exciting role, please contact us.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 17 May 2026.
Download the candidate information pack here.
Director of People and Culture in Carmarthen employer: Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture in Carmarthen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working in roles similar to the Director of People and Culture. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's culture and values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to building a high-performance culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led cultural transformations or developed teams. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can make a real impact.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture in Carmarthen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of People and Culture role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive cultural transformation.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see your commitment to public service and how you can contribute to the future of the Fire and Rescue Service in Wales. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that fuel your passion for people and culture.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Director of People and Culture. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the fire and rescue service, especially in relation to organisational culture and leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of public service. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led cultural transformations and developed high-performing teams in complex environments.
✨Emotional Intelligence is Key
Demonstrate your emotional intelligence during the interview. Share instances where you've used empathy to navigate change or resolve conflicts, as this will resonate well with the panel looking for a leader who can inspire and connect with others.
✨Align with Strategic Priorities
Research the strategic priorities of the organisation and be prepared to discuss how you would align the People and Culture function with these goals. Show that you can be a catalyst for performance and operational excellence, not just a support service.