THE search is on to find a programme director to take the £1.3 billion North Wales Growth Deal forward.

The role demands an individual experienced in leading large and complex programmes and has a record of operating at a senior level.

The Growth Deal is a collaborative venture between the six North Wales local authorities and partners in business, higher education and further education, which would enable investment of £1.3billion in the North Wales economy. It has the aspiration of generating more than 5,000 jobs, creating new businesses, seeing more housing built and placing workless households into work.

The current programme director, Iwan Trefor Jones, who is also the corporate director at Gwynedd Council, has stepped down from the role to take up a position with a social housing group. The new appointment will be full time and permanent and will attract a salary in excess of £85,000.

Dyfrig Siencyn, leader of Gwynedd Council, said this permanent role with the Deal’s Ambition Board is to work closely with the region’s six local authorities, the private sector and representatives from further and higher education, who have been united in bringing the Deal to this point.

“The programme director will offer professional leadership and support the Ambition Board deliver the Growth Vision and the portfolio of programmes.”

“Collectively these programmes and the projects contained within them, will make a significant difference to the performance of the regional economy.”

Colin Everett, Chief Executive of Flintshire Council and added: “We need an individual who is experienced in leading large and complex programmes to successful outcomes, who values high professional standards and who can translate values and vision into practice.

“The role demands a track record of operating at a senior level and managing complex and varied stakeholder relationships effectivly.”

The Ambition Board is also recruiting a digital programme manager, an energy programme manager, a land and property programme manager and an operations manager.