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 stakeholder engagement.
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 in Wales 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 in Wales
✨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 collaborators and get your name out there.
✨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’s specific 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! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Assistant Director Place in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Joint Assistant Director Place role. Highlight your experience in placemaking and regeneration, and don’t forget to mention any relevant knowledge of Welsh planning frameworks!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led complex programmes in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership and ability to deliver high-quality outcomes. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Engage with Our Values: Our councils are all about tackling inequality and improving wellbeing. Make sure your application reflects a commitment to these values. Share your passion for community wellbeing and how you plan to contribute to our shared ambition.
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 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 you’re genuinely invested in the local context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led complex projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to engage stakeholders or develop partnerships. Be ready to discuss your strategic planning skills and how they’ve contributed to positive outcomes in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role is all about collaboration between two councils, highlight your experience working in partnership settings. Share specific instances where you’ve worked with diverse teams or organisations to achieve common goals. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a federated environment.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
The councils are looking for someone who can think outside the box. Prepare to discuss innovative ideas you’ve implemented in past roles, especially those that have led to improved community wellbeing or inclusive growth. Show them you’re not afraid to challenge the status quo!