Operational Excellence Specialist

We are seeking a seasoned professional to assume a pivotal leadership role within our organization. As an Operations Manager, you will oversee diverse teams and functions responsible for delivering regulatory, evidence, and advisory services within a specific geographical area.

Your work will directly support the sustainable management of Wales' natural resources making a tangible difference to people, nature, and climate. You will champion our mission and values by providing effective, inclusive leadership that motivates and inspires your teams; be accountable for the successful implementation of place-based regulatory, advisory, and evidence functions in your area (excluding Flood Risk Management); and oversee incident response capabilities across your departments, ensuring robust readiness and coordination.

You will also manage key local, and national, stakeholder partnerships, including working with Public Service Boards, to shape and deliver integrated environmental outcomes; work closely with colleagues across the organization and external partners to support joined-up delivery that aligns with the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources; lead the development of ways of working and performance reporting that support continuous improvement and long-term impact; contribute to our strategies and priorities that deliver wellbeing goals for current and future generations; and take ownership of one or more functional areas across Wales, translating strategy into actionable delivery plans and coordinating their implementation across the Directorate.

This is a unique opportunity to influence and deliver integrated, place-based environmental outcomes, helping to build a more resilient and sustainable Wales.

We support flexible working arrangements, and you will be contracted to an office within the specified geographic area. A suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed upon appointment. Regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

You will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) as part of the recruitment process.

About Us

We are a leading Welsh Government Sponsored Body established in 2013. Our vision is for nature and people to thrive together. We focus on restoring nature, building resilience to climate change, and reducing pollution, ensuring that Wales' natural resources are managed sustainably for future generations. We serve the people and communities of Wales by being connected to the land, bold in our actions, caring in our approach, and resourceful in how we work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership in support of our mission and values, embedding integrated place-based delivery.
• Lead and be accountable for the delivery of place-based evidence, advisory, and regulatory functions for a geographic area (excluding Flood Risk Management functions).
• Be accountable for delivery of incident response capacity and preparedness across all departments in your area.
• Ensure effective management of appropriate local and Wales-wide stakeholder relationships.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to deliver joined-up outcomes supporting the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources.
• Proactively develop ways of working and performance reporting to achieve integrated outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of strategies and priorities for achieving our relevant wellbeing outcomes.
• Provide leadership across the Directorate for one or more areas of your portfolio, taking ownership of functional areas and translating strategy into actionable delivery plans.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Be committed to our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, understanding its operation within the responsibilities of the post.
• Commit to your own development and that of your staff through effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Participate in incident response activities as required.

Requirements

In your application and interview, you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method:

• Proven experience of leading, managing, and developing staff; substantial experience and knowledge relevant to the role; financial and project/programme management skills and experience enabling you to manage capital and revenue projects and programmes; experience of developing and delivering plans for the implementation of strategies relevant to the role; IT literacy with ability to use GIS, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing packages; proven track record of collaboration, partnership development, and effective stakeholder management.

C1 - Proficiency level Welsh Language Level requirement:

• Essential: A1 - Entry level
• Desirable: C1 - Proficiency level

We offer various learning options and staff support to help meet the minimal Welsh language requirements during employment with us.

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97%
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
• Generous leave entitlements for all life needs
• Commitment to professional development
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Weekly wellbeing hour to use as chosen

For full details on employee benefits, please refer to our website.