Chief Operating Officer – South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee
Lead Regional Transformation for a Stronger, More Connected South West Wales
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on South West Wales? The South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) is looking for a bold, visionary leader to take up the position of Chief Operating Officer.
Introduction
Dear Candidate,
We are excited that you’re considering becoming part of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC). Our network of members and officers within the region are passionate, driven, and proud to play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of energy, transport, planning, and land use across the region.
Working closely with our partners and stakeholders, we are committed to realising our shared vision for South West Wales 2035 - a region that is resilient, sustainable, enterprising, ambitious, and climate-conscious.
Our collaborative, “one team” approach ensures that the needs of our communities remain at the heart of every decision we make.
The SWWCJC brings together representatives from the four local authorities - Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot - as well as the Pembrokeshire Coast and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authorities. Alongside our dedicated co-optees and private sector advisors, we are united in our commitment to building a better future for the region.
We are ambitious and supportive, empowering one another to succeed. We act with integrity, follow through on our commitments, and value diverse perspectives.
Together with the other Corporate Joint Committees, we are working towards a more prosperous Wales.
We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join our team and lead the delivery of our strategic ambitions.
If you’re inspired by the opportunity to help shape the economic future of South West Wales, we’d love to hear from you.
Cllr. Rob Stewart
Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC)
Cllr. Darren Price
Vice Chair of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC)
About the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee
The South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee(SWWCJC) is a statutory body created under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. Bringing together Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and the Pembrokeshire Coast and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authorities, the CJC is at the forefront of regional collaboration.
The SWWCJC stands as a pivotal force in shaping the future of the region. In an era of profound economic, societal, and environmental transformation, the SWWCJC’s role is to translate strategic ambitions into meaningful action driving prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability for the South West Wales region.
The region contains urban centres, industrial powerhouses, rural communities, world-class universities, and natural assets of international repute. The SWWCJC was established to harness this collective potential by aligning local authorities, partners, and stakeholders in pursuit of shared outcomes. The SWWCJC’s regional leadership is grounded in a vision for a future that is economically vibrant, environmentally resilient, and socially just.
The SWWCJC has defined three Corporate Wellbeing Objectives to drive the vision for the region, these include;
- To collaboratively deliver the Regional Economic Delivery Plan and Regional Energy Strategy thereby improving the decarbonised economic well- being of South West Wales for our future generations.
- To produce a Regional Transport Plan for South West Wales that is founded on collaboration and enables the delivery of a transport system which is good for our current and future generations of people and communities, good for our environment and good for our economy and places (rural and urban).
- To produce a sound, deliverable, coordinated and locally distinctive Strategic Development Plan for South West Wales which is founded on stakeholder engagement and collaboration, and which clearly sets out the scale and location of future growth for our future generations.
The ambitions of the SWWCJC are rooted in the major projects and priorities that will shape South West Wales for generations. By referencing these priorities directly, the SWWCJC demonstrates how it is committed to not just setting aspirations but delivering tangible progress.
The ambition for a regional Metro is a flagship priority. The Metro is not just a transport project; it is an enabler of economic development, social mobility, and environmental change. The SWWCJC’s approach is to ensure that the Metro connects communities, urban and rural alike, by providing accessible, affordable, and sustainable transport options.
Key aspects include:
- Developing integrated transport planning that aligns rail, bus, active travel, and digital connectivity.
- Prioritising routes and hubs that support strategic sites—such as employment centres, educational campuses, and health facilities.
- Leveraging investment to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
- Engaging with communities and businesses to ensure the Metro reflects the needs and aspirations of diverse users.
Through the Metro, the SWWCJC is making the ambition of a truly connected region a reality, enhancing access to jobs, training, and services.
The designation of the Celtic Freeport is a transformative opportunity for South West Wales.
The SWWCJC’s narrative is one of collaboration with the partners overseeing the Celtic Freeport and strategic stewardship by positioning the Freeport as a catalyst for new industries, global trade, and green innovation.
Key actions include:
- Coordinating planning, infrastructure, and skills development to maximise the Freeport’s impact.
- Supporting businesses to access new markets and investment streams.
- Prioritising clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and value-added logistics as drivers of sustainable growth.
- Ensuring that the benefits of the Freeport are felt in communities, through high-quality employment, supply chain opportunities, and inclusive prosperity.
This is just one example of the region making the ambition of a globally competitive, innovative economy more tangible.
The future of Tata Steel and its workforce is a defining issue for the region. The SWWCJC recognises the need for proactive, compassionate, and strategic leadership during this period of transition. The SWWCJC engagement with the Tata Steel Transition Board is central to its role as a regional convener and advocate.
Core elements include:
- Championing a just transition for workers and communities affected by industrial change.
- Facilitating skills and reskilling programmes to ensure the workforce is equipped for future opportunities in engineering, energy, construction, and digital sectors.
- Securing investment for the regeneration of brownfield sites and the diversification of the local economy.
- Ensuring that environmental remediation and decarbonisation are embedded in all plans for the future of the site.
The SWWCJC offers reassurance and practical pathways for those affected thereby making the ambition for a sustainable, secure future more real.
The SWWCJC’s narrative does not exist in isolation. It is anchored in the broader context of the Welsh Government’s Well-being of Future Generations Act, Net Zero commitments, and the Programme for Government. By referencing these frameworks, the SWWCJC ensures that regional priorities are aligned and reinforced - delivering coherence, accountability, and impact.
The SWWCJC also works across local authority boundaries to ensure that strategic sites, investment corridors, and growth opportunities are maximised for the benefit of the whole region.
What distinguishes the SWWCJC is its commitment to action. The SWWCJC is translating ambition into delivery through:
- Establishing clear governance and partnership structures to ensure transparency, accountability, and shared decision-making.
- Embedding robust performance monitoring and outcome measurement in all programmes.
- Championing innovation in procurement, community engagement, and project delivery.
- Fostering a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration - ensuring that the SWWCJC responds to changing circumstances and new opportunities.
Regional ambition becomes tangible when it is grounded in the experience of people and places. The SWWCJC is committed to:
- Engaging widely with the communities, businesses, and partners of the region - co-designing solutions and empowering local leadership.
- Communicating progress through accessible storytelling that highlights real-life impact and celebrates success.
- Showcasing exemplar projects such as integrated transport hubs, Freeport investments, and skills initiatives demonstrating that regional priorities are delivering positive change.
The ambitions of South West Wales are bold and far-reaching. Through direct reference to projects such as the regional Metro, the Celtic Freeport, the Tata Steel transition, and alignment with wider strategic goals, the SWWCJC is making these ambitions more tangible than ever before.
The SWWCJC’s focus on delivery, partnership, and engagement provides a roadmap for a region that is confident, resilient, and open to the future.
About the role
We’re looking for a bold, visionary leader to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee. If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact on communities and driving regional transformation, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.
As Chief Operating Officer, you’ll be at the heart of strategic decision-making—working closely with the Chair, Vice-Chair, Statutory Officers, and regional partners to deliver our ambitious vision for South West Wales 2035. You’ll provide strong governance, unlock opportunities, and champion innovation across the region.
Your leadership will ensure compliance with statutory obligations and governance frameworks, while fostering collaboration with Welsh and UK Governments.
Above all, you’ll ensure that the needs and aspirations of our communities and the region are central to every decision we make.
Your responsibilities will include:
Accountability & Governance: Act as principal officer accountable to the South West Wales CJC, providing effective leadership across all functions and services.
Organisational Development: Design and implement strategies, policies, and processes to support the goals of the CJC as a newly established corporate legal entity.
Strategy & Member Engagement: Build strong relationships with Elected Members to deliver the Committee’s vision and integrated regional investment strategy.
Statutory Compliance: Oversee statutory responsibilities under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, including financial and asset planning, risk management, workforce planning and organisation, and staff recruitment, development, and management.
Strategic Leadership: Lead in a complex, multi-level governance environment, collaborating with Local Government, Welsh Government, and UK Government.
Funding & Investment: Support efforts to unlock government and private investment, enhancing existing programmes and driving regional growth.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Foster proactive engagement with local authorities, strategic partners, and other stakeholders to put regional aspirations at the heart of decision-making.
About You
We are looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking leader with a demonstrable track record in senior leadership, expertise in local government and regional governance, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. You will possess strategic insight, political awareness, and a drive for excellence.
Integrity, trust, and honesty are central to this role, and you must embody the Nolan principles in all aspects of your leadership. Your ability to lead through change, foster collaboration, and make evidence-based decisions will be critical.
Welsh Language
The Welsh language is integral to the identity of our region and its people. If you do not currently meet the Welsh language standard for this role, we are happy to support your Welsh language development journey and help you achieve the necessary skills.
Benefits
Whilst working for the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee you’ll be employed by Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC), and as such will enjoy the benefits and rewards that all our employees can access.
We want you to enjoy working for CCC and for it to be a rewarding experience. We recognise that the one of the greatest rewards is job satisfaction and we understand that everyone appreciates a little extra. We offer a range of benefits and working arrangements to support employees in their working and personal life.
Key Dates and the Selection Process
Shortlisting | 17 October
Assessment Centre | 10 November
Appointments Panel | 18 November
The Assessment Centre and Appointments Panel will be held at County Hall, Castle Hill, Carmarthen SA31 1JP
For an informal discussion, please contact Wendy Walters, Chief Executive, at Carmarthenshire County Council on 01267 224110.
