At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative placemaking and regeneration programmes across two councils.
- Company: Pioneering federated councils in South Wales focused on collaboration and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional autonomy, and the chance to shape public service.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to tackling inequality and improving wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and influence regional public service evolution.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in placemaking, urban design, and strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 93097 - 100255 £ per year.
Across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent in South Wales, our councils are doing something genuinely different. As Wales’ 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.
Reporting to the Joint Director of Economy & Place, and with significant professional autonomy, this new role provides strategic leadership and delivery for a range of functions across both organisations. You’ll turn our shared corporate and place‑based priorities into coherent strategies and programmes that deliver high‑quality places, inclusive growth and community wellbeing. Focused on delivery and outcomes, you’ll ensure that a range of complex programmes achieve measurable improvements for places and communities.
Candidates will need proven experience in leading placemaking or regeneration programmes, in which you’ll have gained a comprehensive grasp of capital project delivery, urban design, and stakeholder engagement. Excellent partnership development and strategic planning skills are a must, as is knowledge of Welsh planning and placemaking frameworks. Specific regional knowledge – such as the Cardiff City Region, the Tech Valleys Programme, or other relevant stakeholders / programmes – would be a definite asset.
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 Assistant Director Place employer: Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils
Contact Detail:
Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Joint Assistant Director Place
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to placemaking or regeneration. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past projects in urban design and stakeholder engagement. This will help you demonstrate your skills and make a lasting impression during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the councils! Get to know Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent, their challenges, and opportunities. Tailor your conversations to show how your vision aligns with their innovative approach to public service collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, but more importantly, we want to connect with you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need guidance on the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Assistant Director Place
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the opportunity to shape public service collaboration and make a real impact in the community.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in placemaking or regeneration programmes. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in capital project delivery and stakeholder engagement, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language to convey your ideas and ensure we can easily understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of placemaking and regeneration programmes. Brush up on your knowledge of capital project delivery, urban design, and stakeholder engagement. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your leadership in similar roles. Highlight any successful projects you've led, especially those that involved collaboration across different stakeholders or councils. This will help illustrate your capability to deliver high-quality places and community wellbeing.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with the Cardiff City Region and the Tech Valleys Programme. Knowing the local landscape and relevant stakeholders will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to making a positive impact in the area.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
This role is all about pioneering new approaches, so come prepared with ideas on how to tackle inequality and improve wellbeing in the communities you'll serve. Think creatively about how you can contribute to the councils' shared ambitions and be ready to discuss your vision during the interview.