Neway International are seeking a Principal Manager – Strategic Employment to join our client based with Denbighshire County Council.
Location: East Parade, Rhyl, LL18 3AH.
Hours: 37 hours per week.
Start Date: 26 January 2026.
Pay Rate: £28.25 per hour PAYE.
Work Pattern: Minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
About the Client
Denbighshire County Council’s Working Denbighshire service leads the local authority’s strategic approach to employability, skills, and poverty reduction. As the umbrella organisation for employment support across the county, the service brings together cross‑sector partners to deliver coordinated, impactful programmes that help citizens overcome barriers, access training, and move into sustainable employment.
The service is aligned with the Well‑being of Future Generations Act and the Council’s Corporate Priorities, ensuring long‑term, preventative, and community‑focused approaches to improving economic resilience and wellbeing across Denbighshire.
The Role
The Principal Manager – Strategic Employment will play a key leadership role in shaping, delivering, and monitoring the Working Denbighshire strategy. You will provide high‑level guidance, strategic oversight, and expert advice to ensure the effective coordination of employment, training, and skills support services across the county.
This role requires a strong strategic thinker with extensive experience in programme management, partnership development, and cross‑sector collaboration. You will support the Principal Manager in driving transformational change, securing funding, aligning services, and ensuring that employment support provision is efficient, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership and high‑level support to the Principal Manager, Strategic Employment
* Secure and manage access to funding streams including C4W+, SPF and other employability grants
* Build and maintain strong relationships with Welsh Government, UK Government, DWP, employers, community organisations, and internal council departments
* Lead meaningful community engagement to ensure services reflect local needs and priorities
* Map existing and required employment and training provision, identifying gaps, duplication, and opportunities for improvement
* Provide strategic direction to ensure coordinated, high‑quality employment support across Denbighshire
* Support alignment with Welsh Government anti‑poverty programmes and local initiatives
* Promote innovation and support the development of inclusive, barrier‑focused interventions
* Oversee systems for monitoring programme activity, outcomes, risks, and performance
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations, Health & Safety, and funding requirements
* Lead communication and engagement activity to promote Working Denbighshire and share best practice
* Manage multi‑million‑pound projects, budgets, staffing, and premises
* Line manage staff and contribute to complex matrix management across multiple programmes
Candidate Requirements
* Educated to degree level in a relevant field or substantial strategic experience in funding regulations, guidance, and complex programme delivery
* Project or change management qualification
* Evidence of ongoing professional development
* Minimum 5 years’ experience across public, private, voluntary, and community sectors
* Proven experience leading partnership initiatives and managing complex programmes
* Experience preparing and presenting detailed reports to senior stakeholders
* Strong budget management and multi‑functional service management experience
* High‑level influencing, coaching, and facilitation skills
* Ability to lead change across sectors and set clear strategic objectives
* Strong analytical, information management, and critical thinking skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills
* Knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory frameworks, and government employment initiatives
* Ability to build strong partnerships across statutory and voluntary sectors
* Ability to plan and organise own workload and that of others
* Ability to travel as required
* Welsh Language Level 2 essential
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