Executive Director - Corporate Resources

We're pleased to be supporting Qualifications Wales with the appointment of a new Executive Director of Corporate Resources.

Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator of qualifications and the qualification system in Wales. It is responsible for ensuring that qualifications and the qualifications system are effective in meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales, and for promoting public confidence in these.

Key Information

• Location: Newport with a hybrid approach.
• Contract: Permanent and full-time, requests for alternative working patterns can be discussed at interview.
• Salary: 92,000 - 101,000 depending on experience, along with civil service pension (employer contribution of 28.97%), 31 days' annual leave, and other competitive benefits. Relocation support could be considered.
• Deadline: 22nd March 2026

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Executive team, the Executive Director - Corporate Resources will provide strategic leadership to the Corporate Resources directorate and be an active member of the executive team contributing to leadership across the whole organisation.

This post holder will be personally responsible to the Chief Executive for overseeing the financial stewardship of Qualifications Wales, management of its human and financial resources and assets, the fulfilment of its statutory and regulatory obligations, and compliance with other relevant legislation. They must ensure that high standards of corporate governance are in place, both within the directorate and across all areas of the organisation.

This post holder will also be responsible for ensuring that the organisation receives excellent service from Corporate Resources teams to support our regulatory and policy work in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Summary of Requirements

• Professionally qualified in at least one corporate specialism (HR, ICT, Finance (CCAB qualified), Corporate Governance, Facilities or Procurement).
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to represent the organisation with other public bodies, building relationships that lead to mutually beneficial collaboration.
• An ability to inspire and motivate professionals through a period of change and innovation whilst engendering consistent and accountable approaches to work.
• Extensive experience of working in a strategic leadership role, able to demonstrate a track record in:
  • Managing corporate function(s) to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation.
  • Motivate and enhance performance and staff development
  • Business planning and resource management
  • Supporting organisational decision making through sound governance structures
  • Leading change in systems or processes
  • Developing controls and tracking performance to enhance delivery and manage risk
  • Commercial and supplier management

For the full responsibilities, requirements and further information, please find the full candidate pack on our website.

To Apply

Qualifications Wales have retained Acorn by Synergie to support and manage this round of recruitment. To learn more, please contact Acorn by Synergie.

If you would like to apply, please submit the following for consideration ahead of the deadline on 22nd March 2026.

• Updated CV
• Supporting statement (maximum of 2,000 words) detailing your motivation for applying and your suitability with the person specification in consideration.
• Complete our anonymised Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring Form.

Our intention is to interview on the 16th April 2026.

If you have any issues with these dates or require any further reasonable adjustments as part of the process then please contact Acorn by Synergie

We look forward to hearing from you.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.