Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Principal
through learning
Contact Information
For an informal and confidential discussion regarding this opportunity and to receive the Candidate Pack, please contact the team at Goodson Thomas on 029 2167 4422 or info@goodsonthomas.com
Contents
About Us
Pembrokeshire College is a dynamic and ambitious further education institution located in the heart of West Wales, within a naturally beautiful coastal National Park.
The College has a long tradition of educational excellence and a reputation for innovation. It plays a pivotal role in transforming lives, developing skills and supporting economic growth across Pembrokeshire and beyond.
Pembrokeshire College currently serves approximately 13,000 learners and delivers a diverse portfolio of further education, higher education, work based learning and other professional training.
As lead provider of the B-wbl Consortium, Pembrokeshire College manages one of the largest apprenticeship and employability networks in Wales, working with 15 partners across South, West and Mid Wales to deliver high-quality programs aligned to regional and national skills priorities.
Employing around 540 staff, the College is a major regional employer and a cornerstone of the local community. It is driven by a commitment to excellence in teaching, learning and learner support, whilst fostering a positive and inclusive culture where both learners and staff can thrive.
Welcome from the Chair
On behalf of the Corporation Board, thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive Officer/Principal at Pembrokeshire College.
The vacancy follows the planned retirement of Barry Walters, who has led the College for the past seven years and was part of the College Leadership Team for some 15 years prior to that. Under his stewardship, the College has continued to strengthen its reputation for delivering high-quality education and training, enhancing opportunities for learners, employers and the wider community across Pembrokeshire and beyond.
This is an exciting and pivotal time for both the College and the further education sector in Wales. The landscape continues to evolve through sector reform, changing economic conditions and increasing expectations around skills development, employability and lifelong learning. These challenges bring significant opportunities and Pembrokeshire College is extremely well positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future prosperity and resilience of our region.
Chair of Pembrokeshire College Corporation Board
We are seeking an exceptional leader who shares our vision, values and ambition. The successful candidate will:
- bring strategic vision, commercial awareness and a proven track record of inspiring high performance.
- have the ability to build strong partnerships, lead innovation, embrace change and ensure the College continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for learners and stakeholders alike.
- have the necessary vision and insight, with the skills, enthusiasm and commitment to deliver that vision and shape the next chapter of the College’s journey.
Our Strategic Goals
At the heart of the College is a shared commitment to enhancing learner experiences and improving outcomes. Financially robust, with an annual turnover of approximately £48 million and a sustained track record of operating surpluses, the College is well-positioned to invest in its future. Performance continues to be strong, with further education outcomes improving year on-year and exceeding national benchmarks in many areas. Work-based learning outcomes consistently perform above national comparators, with the B-wbl Consortium recognised as one of the highest-performing partnerships in Wales.
Pembrokeshire College’s vision is “to transform lives through learning”. The College is committed to creating opportunities and enriching lives through the provision of excellent learning opportunities and as such the College’s mission is “to inspire excellence, empower individuals and develop the future workforce”.
Develop highly skilled, creative and successful individuals
Deliver excellent, inspiring and relevant learning and teaching enabling Pembrokeshire’s learners to progress to employment or higher levels of learning
Value and invest in all staff
Deliver first class governance and management
Provide an environment for learners, staff and the community that is inclusive, sustainable and safe
Ensure long term financial stability
Vacancy
As CEO/Principal, you will be accountable to the Corporation Board and provide strategic leadership for the organisation. You will champion the College’s vision of transforming lives through learning, ensuring outstanding outcomes for learners while maintaining financial sustainability, strong governance and organisational excellence.
Leading a workforce of more than 500 staff, you will foster a high-performing and inclusive culture, drive innovation, strengthen partnerships and position the College as an influential voice within the education and skills sector. You will work closely with government, employers, regional partners and stakeholders to ensure the College continues to meet the evolving needs of learners, communities and the economy.
We are seeking an exceptional and visible leader with significant senior leadership experience gained within a large, complex organisation. You will bring strategic vision, commercial acumen and a proven ability to lead change, inspire high performance and build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience of working with Boards or governing bodies, financial leadership and organisational transformation will be essential. Knowledge of the Welsh education, skills or public sector landscape would be advantageous.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected and forward-thinking institution and make a lasting contribution to the future prosperity of Pembrokeshire and Wales.
Leadership Team
