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 with a commitment to tackling inequality and improving wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and influence regional public service evolution.
- Qualifications: Experience in placemaking, urban design, and stakeholder engagement required.
The predicted salary is between 93097 - 100255 ÂŁ 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 longâterm 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 placeâbased priorities into coherent strategies and programmes that deliver highâquality 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 â such as the Cardiff City Region, the Tech Valleys Programme, or other relevant stakeholders/programmes â 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 in London employer: Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils
Contact Detail:
Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Joint Assistant Director Place in London
â¨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.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils' recent projects and initiatives. Show us youâre genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their innovative approach to public service.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in placemaking and regeneration aligns with their goals. We want to see your passion for community wellbeing and inclusive growth shine through.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Assistant Director Place in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
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 difference in the community.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in placemaking or regeneration programmes. Weâre looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in capital project delivery and stakeholder engagement, so donât 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: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youâre considered for this exciting opportunity. We canât wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of placemaking and regeneration programmes. Brush up on your knowledge of Welsh planning frameworks and any relevant regional initiatives like the Cardiff City Region. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that youâre genuinely invested in the local context.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led complex projects in the past. Think about times when youâve had to engage stakeholders or develop partnerships. Be ready to discuss your strategic planning skills and how theyâve contributed to positive outcomes in previous roles.
â¨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role is all about collaboration between two councils, highlight your experience working in partnership settings. Share specific instances where youâve worked with diverse teams or organisations to achieve shared goals. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate and thrive in a federated environment.
â¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the councils' innovative approach to leadership and public service. Inquire about their vision for the future of placemaking in the region or how they measure success in their programmes. This shows that youâre not just there to answer questions, but that youâre also keen to contribute to their mission.