Purpose of Role
Strategic leadership of the statutory duty to develop, prepare and deliver the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) in line with the region’s vision for Economic Well-being.
Management of the SDP Delivery Agreement programme and ensure its outputs, milestones and reporting requirements are co-ordinated, monitored and achieved to the prescribed timetable on behalf of the CJC.
Co-ordinate the integration of other CJC and regional plans and strategies with the SDP.
To support the establishment and effective operation of the Strategic Planning team and to provide expert planning advice and support to the wider functions and programmes of Ambition North Wales.
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
Strategic Development Plan
Lead the co-ordination, development, delivery and ongoing programme management of the Strategic Development Plan so that the CJC has a clear, evidence-led plan that is deliverable and aligned to agreed priorities and corporate objectives.
Lead, support and performance manage the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) officer team (including up to two direct reports) so that SDP activity is delivered to time, to quality and with clear ownership of actions.
Lead on the development of innovative and creative approaches to CJC planning policy development and the identification of locations for future growth
Commission, procure and manage consultancy and third-party suppliers so that specialist inputs are secured, deliverables are met, value for money is achieved, and activity remains compliant with public procurement regulations and best practice.
Manage and monitor the SDP development grant from Welsh Government and the CJC revenue budget for SDP preparation (£0.6m p.a.), ensuring robust budget control, compliance with grant conditions, and timely, accurate reporting.
Oversee the development of an integrated evidence base to support SDP production and decision-making and that can also support other CJC policies and strategies, such as the Regional Transport Plan and Regional Economic Investment Plan.
Act as the regional interface for the Strategic Planning Sub-committee, working with Portfolio Holder Members and Local Planning Authorities to maintain momentum and secure timely direction and decisions, and co-ordinate with Local Plan preparation.
Ensure strategic alignment between the SDP, the Regional Transport Plan (RTP), Economic Investment, and other relevant local, regional and national strategies so that plans and programmes are coherent and mutually reinforcing.
Governance, Accountability & Compliance
Maintain trustworthiness and compliance and good governance by working with the CJC statutory officers (CEO, Monitoring Officer and Section 151 Officer) as required so that legal, procedural and policy requirements are met and risks are escalated appropriately.
Co-ordinate the preparation of reports for the Corporate Joint Committee, its sub-committees, Welsh Government, partners and stakeholders so that performance, progress and issues are communicated clearly and decisions are well supported.
Act as a trusted expert and advisor in providing planning advice and support across the CJC, including to specific projects within programmes, so that planning considerations are identified early and delivery is supported.
Undertake other duties commensurate with the role to support delivery of organisational priorities.
Ensure compliance with policy and legislation such as Future Wales: the National Plan, Planning Policy Wales, the Development Plans Manual, and relevant Planning Acts, regulations and guidance.
Work in accordance with Welsh Government guidance (including Regional Transport Fund requirements) and agreed regional governance arrangements.
Handle information securely and in line with data protection, confidentiality and information governance requirements.
Work in line with organisational policies relating to health and safety, equality and diversity, and safeguarding (where applicable).
Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement
Develop and implement a communications and engagement approach for the SDP with Members, officers and external stakeholders so that messaging is clear, consistent and supports effective consultation and engagement.
Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with Welsh Government, neighbouring Local Authorities, Combined Authorities, and other regional and national stakeholders including infrastructure providers.
Act as the senior point of contact for external stakeholders engaging with the Strategic Planning Sub-committee, ensuring co-ordinated communication and engagement across local authorities, statutory consultees, key stakeholders, businesses and communities.
Acting as an advocate for the Ambition North Wales, the Corporate Joint Committee and the region, developing, managing and maintaining effective external relationships at all levels.
Leadership of People & Resources
As part of the senior leadership team, provide clear, visible leadership that supports the development of a high-performing, motivated team culture.
Lead and role model the values and behaviours of Ambition North Wales, fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and excellence.
Support and develop staff within the team through effective line and matrix management, contributing to the broader leadership of the organisation.
Responsible for effective management, monitoring and allocation of capital and revenue funding through the SDP and other relevant funding streams including ensuring effective systems and processes are in place for financial management.
Additional Duties
Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the seniority of the role to support and where necessary deputise for the Chief Executive and the wider Leadership team in delivering organisational and regional priorities.