4065 - Head of Operations (Inspections) - Disused Tips Authority

Job summary

Establishing the Disused Tips Authority

The Disused Tips Authority (DTA) will become fully operational on 1 April 2027. We are recruiting now for a number of senior leadership roles to help shape the organisation, build its capability and culture, and prepare the Authority to assume its statutory responsibilities from day one.This is a unique opportunity to join the DTA during its formative stages and play a key role in establishing a new public body for Wales. Important: The Disused Tips Authority is a separate organisation from the Welsh Government. Please disregard any Welsh Government guidance, policies, or recruitment information linked within this advert and refer to the accompanying Candidate Information Pack for the information relevant to this vacancy.This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational foundations of a new national organisation, helping establish the Disused Tips Authority as both a trusted regulator and a recognised centre of excellence in inspection, operational capability and public safety.To learn more about the Authority's purpose, ambitions, culture, values, benefits and recruitment journey, please review the Candidate Information Pack and recruitment video.

Help build a new public body for Wales: Disused Tips Authority for Wales

General Candidate Information Pack - 2026 Recruitment Campaign

Help build the inspection capability behind one of Wales' newest public bodies.

The Disused Tips Authority for Wales is being established as 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 on the quality, consistency and professionalism of our operational inspection capability.

As Head of Operations (Inspections), you will play a critical leadership role in developing and leading the Authority's national inspection service. You will ensure inspections are delivered consistently, proportionately and in accordance with statutory requirements, providing the evidence and assurance needed to identify, assess and manage risks to communities across Wales.

This is a broad strategic leadership role. Alongside leading the Authority's inspection function, you will shape operational standards, inspection methodologies and workforce capability, ensuring inspection activity is aligned to the Board's strategic vision and Corporate Plan while supporting effective regulation and public confidence.

Job description

Beyond the organisation itself, you will play a pivotal role in developing the Authority's ambition to become a recognised centre of excellence in inspection practice and operational capability. Working with Welsh Government, local authorities, technical specialists, professional institutions and industry partners, you will help strengthen professional standards, share good practice and develop the capability needed to support the long-term management of disused tips across Wales.

The role is both inward and outward facing:

• Internally, you will build a professional, consistent and high-performing inspection service where colleagues are empowered to apply sound technical judgement, work safely and continuously improve operational delivery.
• Externally, you will work collaboratively with local authorities, regulators, landowners, technical experts and other partners to strengthen inspection capability, promote consistency and support effective risk management across Wales.

Person specification

Building a high-performing inspection service

You'll develop and lead the Authority's national inspection programme, ensuring inspections, assessments and risk categorisation are delivered consistently, proportionately and in accordance with statutory requirements and professional standards.

Managing operational risk

You'll ensure technical evidence is used effectively to identify, assess and manage risks, working closely with engineering, digital and assurance colleagues to support informed operational decisions and continuous reassessment of risk across Wales.

Driving operational excellence

You'll establish high professional standards, robust quality assurance arrangements and efficient operational processes that promote consistency, continuous improvement and excellence across all inspection activities.

Supporting strategic delivery

You'll ensure inspection operations are fully aligned to the Authority's Corporate Plan and organisational priorities, translating strategic ambition into practical operational delivery that protects communities and supports effective regulation.

Developing inspection capability

You'll lead the Authority's work to strengthen inspection capability across Wales, working with Welsh Government, local authorities, professional institutions and technical partners to develop inspection methodologies, professional standards and workforce capability.

You'll help establish the Authority as a recognised centre of excellence by developing the operational expertise, technical capability and professional practice needed to support the long-term management and regulation of disused tips.

Working across the system

You'll build trusted relationships with local authorities, landowners, regulators, contractors and technical specialists, recognising that effective risk management depends upon collaboration, shared learning and consistent operational practice.

Leading a high-performing function

You'll build and lead a professional inspection function, creating an environment where colleagues can develop their expertise, apply sound technical judgement and deliver consistently high standards that protect communities across Wales.

Qualifications

A degree in engineering, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, environmental science or a related discipline; OR a HNC/HND (or equivalent) supported by significant relevant operational experience in inspection, engineering, environmental or infrastructure disciplines

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Strategic Inspection Leadership Please see advert
• Inspection Operations & Technical Delivery. Please see advert
• Risk, Safety & Regulatory Management. Please see advert
• Operational Planning & Performance. Please see advert
• Partnership Working & Professional Capability. Please see advert
• Leadership & Team Development. Please see advert
• Communication & Professional Judgement. Please see advert
• Professional Expertise. Please see advert

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
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