Interim Head of Economy and Place

Torfaen County Borough Council is seeking an Interim Head of Economy and Place, offering a salary between £88,514 and £94,722 for a fixed-term contract of 6 to 12 months. The role involves leading diverse services such as economic development, regeneration, and planning. The successful candidate will possess strong management skills and a deep understanding of economic services, with a focus on improving community wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. They will champion transformation and innovation while maintaining a resident-focused approach. Welsh language skills are desirable but not essential, and applications are welcomed in both English and Welsh.

Interim Head of Economy and Place

Salary

£88,514 – £94,722

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Fixed Term

Package

Fixed term | 6 – 12 months

Job category/type

Economy & Environment

Date posted

01/08/2025

Job reference

REQ005652

For a relatively small organisation, Torfaen CBC punches significantly above its weight!

Nestled along a striking 12-mile valley just north of the M4, Torfaen’s 95,000 residents make us one of Wales’ most densely populated local authorities. Council tax rates here are among the lowest in the country, yet we’re recognised as forward-thinking pioneers – delivering innovation, stability and impact across a broad range of essential services. Our reputation stretches far beyond our boundaries, and we’re well-positioned to meet the demands of the next decade with confidence and clarity.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and ambitious professional to take the lead on a diverse and influential portfolio, spanning economic development, regeneration, capital projects, planning, property and energy strategy. From cultural venues to climate action, and from planning policy to destination management, you’ll be at the helm of services, making a real impact in shaping how our communities live, work and thrive.

Torfaen Council has a clear commitment to the Marmot Principles which aim to reduce health inequalities in the borough by supporting our communities to improve and maintain their wellbeing and resilience. The approach that we take to designing, developing and managing our spaces is critical to this mission.

As the Interim Head of Economy & Place you will lead and manage all of the Council’s Economy and Place Services/functions. Economy and Place includes professional and operational staff, covering a range of Services including:

• Asset Management
• Facilities Management
• Property Management
• Property Construction (Capital Projects)
• Strategic Economic Development, External Funding and Cultural Venues
• Foundational Economy, Regeneration, Strategic Programmes and Destinations
• Planning (Development Management)
• Planning (Policy and Implementation)
• Energy and Climate Change

The Property and Planning Services in particular involve managing professional and technical/operational staff across a range of services that have significant statutory compliance and regulatory elements.

What Will Success Look Like? We want to continue delivering high-quality, resident-focused services that reflect our values and ambitions. You’ll need to respond intelligently and empathetically to a fast-evolving legislative landscape, while embracing the drivers of change across our communities. Critically, you’ll steer transformation and continuous improvement, championing a digital-first ethos while keeping people at the heart of what we do.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A broad and deep understanding of economic and place-based services
• Outstanding management and leadership skills
• A confident grasp of the political and regional landscape
• The ability to influence, engage and inspire across all levels
• A track record of driving performance, innovation and collaboration

You’ll build trust and credibility with elected members and strategic partners, navigating complexity and opportunity with ease. With a portfolio this dynamic and a team full of ambition, your leadership will help us remain at the cutting edge of local government transformation.

Welsh Language Skills are desirable for this post but not essential.
Torfaen County Borough Council strives to be a fair, supportive and effective employer. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The Council expects all employees, paid or unpaid, to share this commitment.

You are welcome to submit your application in English or in Welsh. Each application will be treated equally.