Portfolio Director

Job Advertisement Gwynedd Council offers an attractive employment package, for more information please click on this Information Pack

Gwynedd Council operates internally through the medium of Welsh, and offers all its services bilingually. The applicant will be required to reach the linguistic level noted as one of the essential skills in the Person Specification.

We encourage everyone who applies for a job with Gwynedd Council to submit job applications in Welsh or bilingually. (Applications submitted in English only or Welsh only will always be treated equally, but we ask applicants to consider carefully what the linguistic requirements of the job in question is and if it would be more appropriate to submit an application in Welsh.)

For further information about this post please contact Alwen Williams, Chief Executive - North Wales Corporate Joint Committee by email: .

Application forms and further details available from Support Service, Gwynedd Council, Council Offices, Caernarfon, LL55 1SHTel: E-Mail: .

CLOSING DATE: 10:00 AM, 22/01/2026. The interviews are scheduled to take place on the 20th of March 2026. If you are successful to be short listed for an interview you will be contacted by e mail using the address provided on your application form. You need to ensure that you check your email regularly. Portfolio Director_compressed.pdf

Values and Behaviours Team Values We are Ambitious - we strive to deliver the best for North Wales. We are leaders in our fields, opinion formers and influencers, and we challenge conventional thinking. We pursue high standards, aim to be our best, and continuously develop ourselves professionally. We work Collaboratively - we share knowledge, skills, information and support and ensure to keep colleagues informed. We always help each other, facilitate opportunities for North Wales and recognise that our collective impact is more significant than our individual impact. We do the right thing - we do the right thing, not what is easy. We challenge unethical behaviour and speak out when things don't feel right. We are respectful, fair and considerate and can be trusted to deliver agreed commitments on time. We make a difference - we pursue opportunities to make a difference in North Wales. We champion the Welsh language, heritage and culture and support regional charities. We protect the environment and seek opportunities to reduce our footprint.

Core behaviours for all roles Leadership - we all lead by example and are all leaders within our own areas. Responsibility - we take responsibility for our work, performance and development. Respect - we respect our colleagues, partners and stakeholders and demonstrate this throughout our work and in how we build effective relationships. The role holder will be expected to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct and public service values, consistent with the Nolan Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

Qualifications Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant field. Evidence of relevant continuous professional and managerial development.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills Proven track record of senior leadership in delivering complex portfolios, programmes, or economic development initiatives, ideally within a multi stakeholder or public sector environment. Strong knowledge of economic development, regional growth, and regeneration policy in Wales and the UK, including understanding of government funding and the HM Treasury's Green Book guidance for Better Business Cases. Extensive experience of partnership working with local authorities, higher/further education, the private sector, and government, with evidence of building effective collaborative relationships. Demonstrable ability to translate strategic vision into delivery, ensuring measurable outcomes, value for money, and sustainable benefits. Excellent political awareness and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate across diverse interests and at senior levels. Proven capability in programme management, including risk, performance, financial management, and governance. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret economic, financial, and demographic data to support evidence based decision making. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and promote the Ambition North Wales vision to varied audiences. Proven leadership and people management skills, with experience in developing high performing, motivated teams. Commitment to the highest standards of public service and governance, including adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership).

Language Requirements For this role the following requirements are ESSENTIAL: Listening and Speaking - able to deal with all aspects of the job verbally in a confident manner in both Welsh and English. Reading and Understanding - able to use and interpret correctly any information in both Welsh and English from a wide variety of sources in order to deal with all aspects of the post. Writing - able to present written information in both Welsh and English with complete confidence using the most appropriate language and style to meet the needs of the reader.

Job Description Purpose of Role

Provide senior leadership and direction for the delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal in line with the region's long term vision for Economic Well being. Drive and promote collaboration across the six North Wales local authorities, higher and further education, the private sector, and Welsh and UK Governments to maximise economic and social impact. Lead the planning, management, and delivery of the Growth Deal portfolio, securing value for money and achieving agreed outcomes. Champion inclusive, sustainable economic growth through innovation, skills development, job creation, private sector investment, and the transition to a low carbon economy. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with regional, national, and UK stakeholders, supporting the CEO in influencing policy, attracting investment, and strengthening North Wales's economic position. Ensure high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of portfolio delivery. Act as a senior representative of the organisation, promoting the region's opportunities and achievements to partners, investors, and communities.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

Collective responsibility as part of the Leadership Team for setting strategy, delivery and performance management across the organisation. Responsible for embodying and ensuring staff with teams embody the values and behaviours of Ambition North Wales. Responsible for supporting colleagues and team members to deliver on the priorities of Ambition North Wales and for supporting their development. Matrix management of staff and resources across the Corporate Joint Committee as required to deliver on priorities. Act as an ambassador for Ambition North Wales and the region.

Role Specific Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision - Be accountable to the North Wales Economic Well being Sub Committee for the development and operational delivery of the Vision for Economic Well being, providing strategic advice and direction to maximise opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the region. Provide expert guidance and recommendations to the Sub Committee on the strategies and systems required to deliver growth and prosperity, ensuring that employment and skills, transport, and land use planning are integrated as part of the broader Economic Well being function within the Corporate Joint Committee. Identify and pursue opportunities to influence UK and Welsh Government policy and attract external investment, promoting the needs and potential of North Wales on a regional and national stage. Promote a joined up and collaborative approach among key partners to address strategic economic challenges and capitalise on growth opportunities. Maintain a strong, supportive relationship with the Growth Deal's Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) and the CEO of Ambition North Wales, escalating risks and issues appropriately.
2. Programme & Portfolio Delivery - Lead and co ordinate the successful delivery of the North Wales Growth Deal, ensuring all programmes and projects are delivered effectively by relevant partners, supported by a comprehensive and resourced programme plan, robust project management arrangements, and clear performance monitoring. Take responsibility for the performance, risk management, and outcomes of Growth Deal programmes and projects, as well as wider initiatives aligned to the Corporate Strategy and Vision. Review and synthesise economic and demographic analysis from partners and the business sector to inform portfolio planning and prioritisation. Develop and manage the Growth Deal portfolio budget, in partnership with Finance business partners, for approval by the Sub Committee - ensuring sound financial management and maximising the value of available resources. Ensure issues are escalated appropriately to the SRO and CEO, with shared understanding of risk and performance.
3. Governance, Accountability & Compliance - Co ordinate the decision making process through partner councils and other agencies where matters fall outside the direct remit of the Sub Committee. Ensure matters within the remit of the Economic Well being Sub Committee are brought forward for timely decision making, supported by comprehensive, accurate . click apply for full job details