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- Tasks: Lead transformational change in a vital public service and shape its future.
- Company: Fire and Rescue Service for 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 and help build a high-performing, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on communities across Wales and drive cultural transformation.
- 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your answers, making you feel more confident when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture
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! Share why you’re excited about the opportunity to influence change and improve organisational culture. We want to see your commitment to public service and how it resonates with your values.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your information correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with our digital processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their strategic priorities.
✨Showcase Your Transformational Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've led cultural transformations in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing organisational capabilities and fostering high-performance cultures. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills to enhance their People and Culture function.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
As a Director of People and Culture, emotional intelligence is key. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex interpersonal dynamics or led teams through change. Share these stories to illustrate your ability to lead with empathy and build trust within the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the challenges the organisation faces. Ask about their vision for the future of the People and Culture function and how they measure success. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but in making a meaningful impact.