Our Chief Executive, Carole-Anne Davies, has decided to step away from her role at the end of this year, and we have begun the search for her successor. Carole-Anne has led the Design Commission for Wales (DCFW) since it was set up by the Welsh Government in 2003. She will leave her post in December and continue to pursue her other interests, including her role as Chair of Gregynog Trust, which owns and manages Gregynog Hall and its 750-acre estate in mid-Wales. We are now actively recruiting Carole-Anne’s successor to lead our work with all organisations involved in shaping the countryside, cities, towns and villages of Wales, supporting local authorities and the private sector to deliver long-term value through lasting quality. Our next chief executive will also spearhead our work supporting policy development, research and project delivery across all built environment professions, from urban and landscape design and architecture to planning, civil engineering and construction. The search is being led by our chair, Ewan Jones, regional Managing Principal at global architecture practice 10 Design, who has worked with DCFW since 2005, including a 10-year term as a Commissioner prior to becoming Chair. “Carole-Anne has achieved an enormous amount, establishing then leading DCFW as a lean, effective body that works strategically and seamlessly across the built environment,” he said. “We’re fortunate in Wales to have a national body charged with promoting and supporting best-practice, sustainable design, and DCFW is uniquely placed to convene the many parties involved in creating our places. “So, as well as a deep understanding of place design and a passion for the difference it makes to people’s lives, we’re looking for someone with the drive, influence and diplomacy to bring our many and varied stakeholders together to make Wales a better place for everyone.” General The Chief Executive leads the Design Commission for Wales and will be comfortable with significant profile, genuine partnerships and delivery of its work as a national public body established to champion high standards of design in Wales. They will be a key leadership figure for the organisation, and a powerful advocate for high quality design across the whole of Wales. The Chief Executive is an important employee that leads the operational, day to day management of the Design Commission for Wales, deriving their authority from parameters set by the Board of Directors, within their delegated authority. Full terms and conditions are set out in the Chief Executive contract of employment. The Chief Executive reports to the Chair and to the Board of Directors, who collectively provide strategic direction and oversight, and carry the collective governance responsibility as per their duties under the Companies Act. The Chief Executive is responsible for delivery against the strategic direction as set by the Board of Directors, the success of the Design Commission for Wales and fulfilment of the requirements of the company’s remit. They are responsible and accountable to the Chair and Board of Directors of DCFW Ltd and to Welsh Government Ministers and officials. The Chief Executive is designated as the accounting officer as reflected in the requirements of the Welsh Government. They manage the staff team and the current Design Review Panel of 36 multi-disciplinary professionals, along with all other operational duties relevant to the smooth running of an influential and accountable public body. The Chief Executive, with the support of the Office Manager, implements and monitors strategic direction as well as the day to day organisational and financial systems, planning and managing of all DCFW’s affairs. This budget management, financial and operational reporting to the Board and to the Welsh Government as well as audit processes, form a central part of the Chief Executive’s role as well as preparing and presenting all statutory reports, such as year-end audited accounts, and with external professional support where appropriate. They are responsible for the budget, largely funded by Welsh Government Grant-in-Aid, plus any additional project monies or other income, reflected in framework arrangements with Government. Awareness of the importance of the Welsh Language is essential. Welsh fluency (spoken and written) is desirable but it is not essential for this role. The Chief Executive will demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of design disciplines and practice in architecture, engineering, urban and landscape design, as well as the work of other professionals such as artists, and the contribution of each to better quality in the built environment. A good understanding of national and local policy is essential as well as an awareness of Welsh Government policy and legislation such as the Well-being of Future Generations Act Wales. Awareness of international practice is desirable. Maintaining a strong public profile, familiarity with public speaking and the ability to represent and be an ambassador for DCFW are fundamental and essential requirements. The post holder will be an exceptional ambassador for the Commission, strengthening its profile, enhancing existing networks and establishing new ones in the context of developing DCFW as an influential public body. This includes making regular presentations, public speaking, contributions to events, press articles and a presence on other media platforms. Constructive and productive relationships with Welsh Government ministers, officials and officers of the DCFW sponsor division are vital as are relationships with local authorities, professional bodies and other related professional, cultural, public and/or statutory bodies in Wales. Liaison with Architecture & Design Scotland, the Northern Ireland Ministerial Advisory Group, and the Republic of Ireland as well as Design Council in England forms an important aspect of the role. Responsibilities To provide executive, strategic, creative and practical organisational leadership whilst developing and supporting a highly skilled team and board. To ensure and maintain sound financial and operational processes and systems upon which to build DCFW’s reputation and develop and deliver its core activities as agreed by the Board of Directors and Welsh Government. To identify, develop and maintain effective relationships with the Welsh Government and public and private sector partners and: * To support the organisation’s development by maintaining effective contact with DCfW’s partners and with design and built environment professionals and clients in the built environment sectors. * To attend meetings as required and to represent DCFW at conferences and associated events. * To act as an effective advocate for the work of the DCFW To develop and oversee effective operational and administrative systems and procedures including: * The IT system and network, with the support of the external service provider * Prepare for, attend and report to meetings of the DCFW Board * Prepare for, maintain an overview of meetings of the Design Review Panel and its Chairs * Maintain and monitor the implementation of DCfW’s Risk and Quality Assessment procedures * Liaise with external agencies to develop opportunities and partnerships * Compliance with all aspects of company law as they may apply to DCFW * Plan and prepare financial records with the support of the Office Manager * To control and account, with the support of the Office Manager, for revenue and project funds and financial transactions. * Liaise with auditors as necessary * Liaise and report to the Welsh Government as required Confidentiality The post of Chief Executive requires rigorous management of confidentiality throughout all parts of DCFW’s work. Person Specification The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential qualities: * A clear and compelling vision for the future of the Design Commission for Wales * A high degree of energy, enthusiasm and self-motivation * Good team communication skills and the ability to shape, lead and support a team structure * Good external communication skills and the ability to present, advocate, persuade and influence external parties across public and private sectors * Knowledge and awareness of design disciplines and the wider built environment * The ability to work calmly, efficiently and effectively under pressure * Familiarity with national funding mechanisms as they apply to the work of DCFW * Familiarity with public sector policy and practice at a national level would be advantageous along with experience of working within cross sector partnerships. * IT skills appropriate to managing a small independent organisation * Flexibility in relation to the demand of the role is essential as is a full, clean current driving licence. The Chief Executive will uphold and demonstrate in action, the Vision, Aims and Values of the Design Commission for Wales. They will act in accordance with its Codes of Conduct and other items contained in its Handbook and Policies & Procedures manual, behave in a manner commensurate with a publicly accountable body, leading by example. The above is a description of the role as perceived at the time of writing and may be liable to change in the future in consultation with the post holder to reflect changing requirements. Principal Terms and Conditions: Title: Chief Executive Contract Status: Full-time contract The position is subject to satisfactory completion of a three-month probationary period Responsible to: Chair and Board of Directors Location: Design Commission for Wales 4 th Floor, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FL and at locations throughout Wales, as necessary. The post requires a minimum three days per week presence at the Design Commission for Wales office in Cardiff supplemented by hybrid working arrangements. Hours of Work: 37 hours per week. Some degree of flexibility is required along with the willingness to travel and cover overnights stays, to meet business needs. Annual Leave: 8 public holidays and 4 discretionary days per year in addition to a maximum of 30 days per annum, pending formal agreement on appointment. Payment Mechanism: BACS on 15th of each month Two weeks in arrears, two weeks in advance. Payable on last working day closest to the 15th of the month where it falls on a weekend or public holiday. Remuneration: £75K, per annum. Future awards in line with DCFW’s remuneration policy and as determined by the Board of Directors. Pension Scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme Equal Opportunities Policy: DCFW is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of its work and all personnel carry out their duties in accordance with this commitment and our Policy. Notice period: Employer – Three months Employee – Three months DCFW operates a strict no smoking policy. Further detailed terms and conditions, family friendly policies, flexible working etc will be provided in the contract of employment and are expanded upon in the Staff Handbook. Applications to be made by CV and covering letter via email. The closing date for applications is Monday 27th October 2025. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held w/c 10th November 2025