Chief Executive Officer Full Time

The CEO is the public face of tax administration in Wales. The role reports to the Permanent Secretary of Welsh Government. The postholder will need to think strategically and creatively across the WRA and wider stakeholder priorities, interests, risks and opportunities. As CEO you will:

• create, and agree with Ministers, the strategy for the organisation

• provide leadership and strategic direction for the WRA, working closely with the WRA Board, Tîm Arwain (WRA leadership team) and committees, Welsh Government and wider public sector leaders in Wales, the UK and internationally

• as Accounting Officer, hold fiscal accountability directly to the Senedd for both the spend of the WRA £10-£15m and for the collection of annual revenues circa £0.5bn

• inspire delivery of the plans to achieve the strategy in a hybrid environment, including setting an inclusive culture, steering the direction and inspiring performance
• be responsible for the performance and the sustainability of the ongoing capability of the WRA in terms of both its delivery and development
• be part of the Welsh Government Senior Leadership Group and be the lead official for the Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Welsh Language on all matters relating to the operation of devolved taxes
• ensure delivery of the existing devolved taxes in a novel way, and developing, implementing and delivering entirely new functions as appropriate
• engage external stakeholders extensively by being an ambassador and ultimate accountable person for WRA across the wider Welsh public sector, the Senedd and with industry/taxpayer representatives and other key stakeholders
• set a clear vision for our digital-first approach, managing technology effectively and making data driven decisions

Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, but they would be an asset. We expect the successful candidate to develop their Welsh language skills on appointment, and we will fully support them to do this, with training available. As is the case in respect of other requirements, reasonable adjustments can be discussed on appointment.

The role of the Chief Executive Officer is high-profile and influential. We are seeking an ambitious, collaborative, forward-thinking and compassionate leader who can combine strategic vision with leading an organisation through change. We welcome individuals who can offer fresh perspectives, strategic thinking, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, with a strong desire to make a positive impact. We’re committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate (essential criteria)

• Demonstrable, impactful experience in a complex operational delivery role, preferably related to tax, and a knowledge and appreciation of the tax landscape across Wales, the UK and other devolved governments.
• Excellent leadership skills – proven experience of strong and inspirational leadership, vision and strategic direction to achieve the highest levels of performance and ensure a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong understanding of organisational governance, risk and financial acumen and experience of managing a budget to drive efficiencies and resources effectively.
• The ability to quickly establish credibility with Ministers and command their confidence, operating in a complex political environment.
• Tangible and sustained evidence of building an inclusive culture, championing equal opportunities and diversity whilst challenging unfair practices.
• Experience and commitment to leading in a digital-first context, including driving digital transformation.

Stage 1 – Application

To apply for this role, you will be asked to submit:

Application Form:

We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in either language will be treated equally. If you have an impairment that would prevent you from applying online, please contact SCSRecruitment@gov.wales to request an alternative format or a reasonable adjustment to submit your application.

CV:

Your CV should be no longer than 2,000 words. We operate name-free recruitment. The selection panel will not see personal information while shortlisting in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity. Please remove your name from your CV and personal statement.

Statement of Suitability:

Your statement of suitability should be no longer than 1,250 words. Please explain how your professional qualifications, skills, qualities and experience meet the essential criteria included in the person specification and how you meet the key behaviours.

We are committed to achieving a workforce that reflects the society it serves – at all levels. You will be asked to confirm some diversity information on your application form. Collecting this information enables us to identify whether we are recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and check that all groups are being treated fairly throughout the process; this form will not be disclosed to anyone involved in assessing your application. If you do not wish to provide a response to a particular question, you select ‘prefer not to say.’ You will not be able to submit your application if you leave any of the questions unanswered.

Stage 2 – Longlisting & Shortlisting

Yolk is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Welsh Government on this appointment, your application and contact details will be shared with them as part of the assessment process. According to GDPR guidelines, Yolk is only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. By submitting an application, you consent for Yolk to process your personal data.

Longlist Meeting:

If a high volume of applications are received applications will first be longlisted using criteria set out above.

Interview with Yolk:

Candidates who are long listed by the recruitment panel, or all candidates if the longlist is not completed, will be interviewed by a consultant from Yolk, this will be approximately 45 – 60 minutes long to explore more about your experience and what you could bring to this role.

Shortlist Meeting:

A shortlisting meeting will take place with the full panel to discuss the final sift outcome, considering the full application, CV, personal statement and feedback from the interviews with Yolk.

Stage 3 – Assessments

If shortlisted, you will take part in the following assessments:

Online Individual Leadership Assessment:

These include a discussion with a psychologist via Microsoft Teams. You will receive a link to the online tests within 10 working days after the shortlisting meeting. You do not need to take these tests again if you have completed these tests in the last two years for a role at the same grade.

Staff Engagement & Stakeholder Engagement:

These two exercises give you the opportunity to present your experience, ideas and views on effective leadership for this role. You will meet with a group of staff via Microsoft Teams who may be future team members, peers, and colleagues. There will also be similar session with WRA stakeholders.

Interview & Presentation:

Before your interview, the selection panel will receive feedback on your psychometric tests and staff and stakeholder engagement exercise. You will be given a presentation topic before your interview and will be asked to give a 5-minute verbal briefing. Interviews will be around 45 minutes and will consider how the skills and experience in your CV and personal statement meet the requirements of the role. The interview will be held in person at our Cathays Park office in Cardiff.

Reasonable adjustments

We’re a Disability Confident Leader and we’re happy to provide reasonable adjustments throughout the assessment process and during your time at the WRA. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know about any reasonable adjustments that we can make when you submit your application, and we’ll ask you again before each stage of the assessment.

Indicative timeline

• Closing date for applications: 11:55pm on 8 September 2025
• Assessment centre: w/c 29 September 2025
• Panel interview: w/c 13 October 2025