Our Strategy, Integration and Net Zero directorate works with partners from every sector across the region to find new ways of tackling some of the West Midlands’ most complex and deep-rooted challenges: from social, economic and health inequalities to making the shift to a zero-carbon region by 2041. In the coming year, as much of this work folds in with new strategy, public policy and research and intelligence functions, we will develop new programmes to create a fairer and greener West Midlands.

Our Head of Policy and Public Affairs will lead on developing, delivering and coordinating strategy, policy and early stage programme development for the WMCA to create a more prosperous and better-connected West Midlands. The role will work across all WMCA directorates to ensure consistency, coherence and integration in achieving these aims, leading creative stakeholder and public relations plans to ensure the WMCA offers strategic leadership for the whole region.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and manage the development, delivery and embedding of key strategies and policy developments for the WMCA including the development of the WMCA’s own corporate strategy
• Lead and manage the development and delivery of strategic programmes and initiatives offering leading-edge thinking and policy innovation and securing new investment for the region
• Develop and lead a successful policy and public affairs team, enabling success, promoting equality and diversity, recognising talent and encouraging and supporting personal development
• Work with colleagues to research, analyse and develop innovative policy thinking and programme development that ensures the WMCA remains a ‘trailblazer’ amongst mayoral combined authorities in England
• Lead and manage the development of an effective stakeholder engagement and public affairs function, working collaboratively with local, regional and national partners to align strategies and achieve mutual aims and objectives
• Liaise with central government officials and other national bodies to shape, interpret and deliver national policy making and programme development and align it with local and regional strategies and plans

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced strategic leader who has excellent policy and strategy skills, with significant experience in policy development and strategic planning at a senior level in complex public sector environments.

You’ll have an excellent understanding of the current policy landscape for mayoral combined authorities with evidence of how critical thinking and policy innovation can shape programme development in different contexts.

The role will suit someone who can think strategically and systemically, as well as being comfortable with detail, and who has strong project and programme management skills, with an ability to manage problems actively and seek resolutions.

If you thrive on new challenges, this is a great place to work, and a terrific opportunity make a difference in an ever-changing environment. 

About us

WMCA is committed to a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region. This is our vision. We will achieve our vision through living our values which are central to how we work and interact with our wider partners and stakeholders.

We’re a partnership organisation. Our people feel valued and respected, have a can-do attitude and are innovators. We try new ways of doing things, we aren’t afraid to fail, learn from what went wrong and try again. Our people are empowered to be creative and explore and innovate.

We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have made a positive commitment to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the essential role criteria. We are committed to building a team of people with varied backgrounds and experiences as we recognise that this will only benefit us as an employer, the more inclusive we are the better our work will be.

As an organisation, we will continue to adapt and develop to the opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to transform ourselves and our organisation into the best we can be, underpinned by our values and behaviours and everyone contributes towards achieving our vision.

Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About your application

The online Application Form you'll be asked to complete plays a key part in our recruitment and selection process. We use the information you provide to decide whether to invite you for an interview. It is important that you complete the Application Form as fully and accurately as possible. You will be asked to upload a Supporting Statement (not a CV) and this should include specific examples which demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role for which you are applying. 

If you would like to discuss alternative methods to the online application as a reasonable adjustment please contact the Resourcing Team by email (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Head of Policy and Public Affairs.docx