Wales Director

Salary: £80,000k + £7,150k car allowance

Type: Perm

Location: Cardiff (Hybrid)

Closing date: 16th Sept

Process: CV and Cover Letter

About the CBI

We serve as the catalyst between industry and government to drive positive change, speaking for businesses of all sizes and sectors across the whole economy, in every UK region and nation, ensuring sustainable growth for the benefit of society. Our voice represents 170,000 businesses. This includes over 1,100 corporate members, plus nearly 150 trade associations. Our corporate members alone employ over 2.3 million private sector workers.

Role Summary

As the CBI Wales Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping and advocating for the business agenda in Wales, influencing key stakeholders, and driving economic growth in the country.

Reporting into the Executive Committee the Wales Director serves as the primary contact for businesses operating in Wales, playing a pivotal role in guaranteeing that the CBI accurately reflects the diversity and richness of the business community. Additionally, they will function as the foremost external ambassador of the CBI in Wales, wielding significant influence in shaping the policy landscape.

If you possess a keen interest in political and current affairs, coupled with a passion for business, and possess the authoritative voice and commercial acumen needed to represent the foremost business leaders in Wales, we invite you to join the UK’s leading business membership organisation and contribute to our mission of enhancing the business environment with the overarching goal of fostering prosperity for all.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement the strategic vision for CBI Wales in alignment with the overall CBI objectives
Provide effective leadership to the CBI Wales team, ensuring alignment with UK and devolved goals
As a key member of the CBI leadership team, contribute actively to drive the overall success of the organisation, providing essential support to the executive team for a cohesive and effective leadership structure
Represent and champion the CBI Values and CBI Behaviours in all practices, and encourage the same from your team and internal stakeholders, contributing towards building and maintaining a strong CBI culture.

Advocacy and Representation

Act as the primary spokesperson for CBI Wales, representing the organisation in interactions with senior political figures in both the UK and Welsh governments, government officials, stakeholders such as Enterprise Agencies, business leaders, and the media
Represent the CBI at key events, on committees and working groups ensuring that the CBI has a real impact
As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, the Director will actively work to ensure diverse representation with the CBI membership, committees, panels and working groups

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from the wider community such as from the Embassies and Consulates
Build and maintain strong relationships with all the main political parties operating in Wales
Collaborate with CBI members to understand their concerns and priorities, ensuring effective representation

Policy Development

Lead the development of policy positions that reflect the interests of CBI members in Wales
Work closely with CBI Policy, Economics and Public Affairs to contribute to and develop national and devolved policy initiatives
Be responsible for the development and publication of the budget submission from CBI Wales, Programme for Government submission, manifestos, and consultation responses, among other key documents.

Member Engagement

• Foster a strong and engaged membership base, ensuring regular communication, events, and activities that add value to the CBI members in Wales.
Develop a strong partnership with the CBI Wales Chair and Vice Chair, while strategically nurturing a successful pipeline of prospective candidates for future leadership
Maintain the standing of the CBI Wales Council as a prestigious and sought-after platform that attracts C-suite executives, and represents the best in Welsh businesses
Organising the annual lunch and dinner with a track record of success, these events stand out as premier gatherings for the Welsh and UK business community.
Address member concerns and feedback, acting as a liaison between members and the broader organisation
As an important part of CBI’s commercial management team, contribute to CBI corporate objectives, values and organisational strategy

Commercial Responsibilities

Drive member retention strategies to ensure a strong and enduring relationship with existing members
Spearhead initiatives for expanding the membership base, aligning with the business landscape in Wales
Create and curate compelling sponsorship opportunities that offer mutually beneficial engagements for partners
Leverage market insights and industry trends to formulate attractive sponsorship packages
Innovate to enhance the financial sustainability and influence of CBI Wales within the business community
Collaborate with the CBI Economics team to contribute to the development of their commercial pipeline

Knowledge & Experience

Possess relevant degree/professional qualification or equivalent
Demonstrate experience in managing relationships with the most senior business leaders in a relationship/customer management function
Showcase experience in engaging with elected representatives, senior civil servants, and handling interactions with local and national media across various platforms
Display a significant understanding of the economic, social and diverse pressures impacting businesses
Exhibit a deep understanding of the political landscape in Wales
Demonstrate a relevant business background reflecting strong commercial awareness
Identify and develop clear win-win partnerships
Be visible as a leader, establishing a strong direction and vision
Showcase a proven track record of developing commercial-focused strategies that deliver improvements in output, quality, and cost

CBI (Confederation of British Industry)

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Wales Director