Head of Communications, Engagement & Partnerships

Head of Communications, Engagement & Partnerships - Disused Tips Authority

Salary range - £61,098 - £78,449

Closing Date - 07/09/2026, 23:55

Location - The Authority's headquarters will be located at Rhydycar Business Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ
. This will be the principal place of work and where most colleagues will come together to collaborate with one another and with stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be expected to attend the office in Merthyr Tydfil regularly to support collaboration and stakeholder engagement. For full-time employees, this will typically be 2-3 days per week, with attendance requirements adjusted on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees.

As a national organisation serving communities across Wales, the DTA will also establish a number of regional hubs and collaboration spaces. Details of these locations are currently being developed and will be confirmed ahead of the Authority becoming operational. Merthyr Tydfil will remain the Authority's headquarters.

Purpose of post- Help shape the voice of one of Wales'newest public organisations.

The Disused Tips Authority for Wales is beingestablishedas the national public body responsible for overseeing the safety,management and regulation of disused tips across Wales. Operating in a high-profile, safety-critical environment, our success will depend not only on the quality of our technical work, but on the trust and confidence we build with the communities we serve, our partners and the wider public.

As Head of Communications & Partnerships, you will play a critical leadership role inestablishingthat trust from day one.

You will shape how the Authority communicates, engages and builds relationships, ensuring people understand our purpose, our decisions and the actions we take to keep communities safe.

Your work will help create confidence through clear,transparent and consistent communication, particularly when discussing complex issues and risk.

This is a broad strategic role. Alongside leading all aspects of communications,engagement and stakeholder partnerships, you willbe responsible for translating the Board's strategic vision into the Authority's Corporate Plan, ensuring our priorities are clearly articulated and aligned across the organisation.

• Internally, you will create a shared sense of purpose, helping colleagues understand our strategy,valuesand priorities.
• Externally, you will build trusted relationships with communities, partners,governmentand stakeholders, strengthening confidence in the Authority and its work.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the voice,reputation and strategic direction of a new national organisation, helpingestablishthe Disused Tips Authority as a trusted public body and arecognisedcentre of excellence in public safety,engagement and transparent communication.

Important:

The Disused Tips Authority for Wales will be established as an independent Welsh Public Body and separate legal entity on1 April 2027. Until then, these roles will be hosted by the Welsh Government, providing a unique opportunity to help create and shape a new national organisation from the outset.

Successful candidates will initially be employed by the Welsh Government before transferring to the Disused Tips Authority when it becomes operational on1 April 2027, with continuity of employment maintained throughout.

• You'lldevelop and lead the Authority's communications strategy, ensuring our internal and external communications are clear,accessible and consistent.
• You'llhelp explain complex technical issues in ways that build understanding,confidenceand public trust.

• You'lldevelop meaningful relationships with communities, local authorities, Welsh Government, industry,regulatorsand other partners, ensuring people feel informed, listened to and involved in the Authority's work.

• You'llhelpestablishthe Authority's reputation as a trusted,transparentanddistinctively
  
  Welsh public organisation, developing our corporate narrative,brandand public profile from the outset.

• You'lllead the development, publication and communication of the Authority's Corporate Plan and operational plans, ensuring colleagues and stakeholders understand how our priorities translate into delivery and public outcomes.

• You'llprovidestrategic communications advice to the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board, supporting media relations, publicaffairs and stakeholder engagement in a politically sensitive and highlyscrutinisedenvironment.

• You'llbuild and lead a high-performing Communications & Partnerships team, creating an environment where people can thrive, developprofessionallyand deliver excellent outcomes.
• Successful candidates will demonstrate substantial senior-level experience in communications, engagement, public…