Contract and Performance Lead - Skills - CCR

Cardiff Capital; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff Capital Region is seeking a proactive Contract and Performance Lead - Skills to oversee the Investment Zone Skills Programme contract. You will monitor performance, ensure compliance with funding rules, and work with partners to maximise outcomes for employers and learners.

Based in South-East Wales, the role requires strong financial and governance skills, plus the ability to translate data into effective action within a widely scoped stakeholder network.

Qualifications

• Experience of managing publicly funded programmes or commissioned services within a complex stakeholder environment.
• Strong contract management, financial monitoring and performance management skills.
• Ability to interpret data, challenge delivery performance and ensure governance and funding requirements are met.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement across partners, education providers and government.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the performance of the Investment Zone Skills Programme contract.
• Monitor delivery against agreed outcomes and KPIs; ensure compliance with contractual and funding requirements.
• Manage financial performance and provide robust reporting for programme governance.
• Collaborate with the commissioned delivery partner, employers, education providers, local authorities and government partners.
• Support decision-making with accurate data analysis and recommendations.

Skills

Contract management

Financial monitoring

Performance management

Data interpretation

Governance & funding

Stakeholder engagement

Reporting

Job description

Contract and Performance Lead - Skills - CCR

The job requirements are detailed below. Essential qualifications, skills and experience are listed in the Job Descriptions/Person Specification which can be found under the attachments section below.

Role: Contract and Performance Lead - Skills

Fixed-term contract to 31 st March 2028

About the Organisation:

CardiffCapital Region(CCR)is apublic body thatbrings together thetencouncils of Southeast Wales, working with the UK and Welsh Governments to attract investment, grow the regional economy and support local community endeavour. Our goal is simple - to build a stronger, fairer, and greener economy that benefits businesses and communities across the region.

With half of Wales’s population and economic output, the region is well placed to continue attracting British and foreign direct investment and developing innovation and inclusive growth. The economic wellbeing aims at the heart of CCR's efforts seek to create opportunities for all.

Everyone at CCR has a role in fulfilling these ambitions. By joining our organisation, you are contributing to our mission of creating a competitive, connected, and resilient Region through the delivery of strategic interventions that nurture social and economic well-being throughout South-East Wales.

At CCR, we are committed to nurturing a culture where everyone thrives. If you are passionate about delivering high-quality investment programmes, working collaboratively with partners and making a tangible contribution to the future prosperity of South East Wales, we would love to hear from you.

About the Job:

The Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Investment Zone is a major long-term economic development programme delivered in partnership with the UK Government, Welsh Government, industry and regional stakeholders. Through investment in innovation, business growth, infrastructure and skills, the Investment Zone aims to accelerate growth in high-potential sectors including compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, creating high-value jobs and attracting further investment into the region.

A key part of delivering these ambitions is the Investment Zone Skills Programme, which has been established to ensure businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need to grow and innovate, while creating opportunities for people across the region to develop the skills required for future careers in priority sectors. The Skills Programme is being delivered through a commissioned delivery partner. As Contract and Performance Lead - Skills, you will be responsible for overseeing the performance of this contract, ensuring that programme activity aligns with Investment Zone objectives and delivers measurable outcomes for employers, learners and the regional economy.

Working within the Regional Growth & Investment Team and reporting to the Regional Skills & Talent Senior Manager, you will lead the performance, governance and assurance of the Investment Zone Skills Programme contract.

You will be responsible for monitoring delivery against agreed outcomes and key performance indicators, ensuring compliance with contractual and funding requirements, overseeing financial performance, and providing robust reporting to support effective programme governance and decision-making.

You will work closely with the commissioned delivery partner, employers, education and training providers, local authorities, and government stakeholders to ensure the programme remains responsive to industry needs and delivers maximum impact across the region.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in one of South East Wales's most significant growth programmes. Your work will directly contribute to building the skilled workforce needed to support innovation, business growth, and inward investment, helping to ensure the Cardiff Capital Region remains a competitive and attractive location for some of the UK's most dynamic and high-growth industries.

What we are looking for from you:

We are seeking a highly organised and motivated individual with experience of managing publicly funded programmes, contracts, or commissioned services within a complex stakeholder environment.

You will have strong contract management, financial monitoring, and performance management skills, together with the ability to interpret data, challenge delivery performance constructively and ensure compliance with governance and funding requirements.

You will be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, including employers, education providers, delivery organisations, local authorities, and government partners, building productive relationships that support successful programme delivery.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience of managing contracts, grants or commissioned programmes within a public sector or publicly funded environment.
• Strong financial monitoring, budget management, and forecasting skills.
• Experience of performance management, assurance, and compliance monitoring.
• Excellent communication, presentation, report-writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to analyse complex information and make sound recommendations.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Experience of skills, employability, workforce development, economic development, or innovation programmes would be advantageous.

Interviews will take place: 3 rd November to 6 th November 2026.

Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh.