Head of Policy and Integration - Birmingham, United Kingdom - West Midlands Combined Authority

Description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - 16 Summer Lane

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking a Head of Policy and Integration within our Strategy, Economy, and Net Zero (SENZ) directorate. In this significant role, you'll be key in shaping a better connected, greener, and healthier West Midlands. You'll oversee the implementation of the deeper devolution deal, single settlement, and West Midlands Futures programme, while also guiding the WMCA's lobbying and public affairs activities.

Your expertise will also be crucial in securing further devolution opportunities and solidifying the West Midlands position as a trailblazing region. This collaborative role requires you to work closely with all WMCA directorates and local authorities, ensuring a unified approach to achieving ambitious goals. By leading creative stakeholder engagement initiatives, you will ensure the WMCA provides strategic leadership for the whole region.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the development and implementation of a ground-breaking regional funding model, ensuring the West Midlands (WMCA) secures the best possible financial support.
• Oversee the trailblazer devolution deal, unlocking the deal's full potential in collaboration with regional partners and central government.
• Champion thinking and policy development for the WMCA, including the West Midlands Futures programme and the WMCA's corporate strategy.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and open communication within the WMCA, integrating diverse perspectives into policy development.
• Develop strong relationships with international regions to exchange best practices and drive innovation.
• Build a successful policy and public affairs team, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that recognises and nurtures talent.

• Proven track record of developing and implementing high-impact policies at a senior level.
• Demonstrated expertise in navigating complex public sector environments with political acumen.
• Deep understanding of policy landscapes for mayoral combined authorities, with a focus on leveraging critical thinking and policy innovation to shape programme development.
• A skilled relationship manager with a history of developing, maintaining, and strengthening partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate, negotiate, and influence others to achieve shared goals.

How to apply.

On clicking 'apply for this job' , you will first be prompted to create an account. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV, which will be used to auto-populate your profile. Please note , we do not see your CV once you have applied . Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to format your profile so that it really stands out. Make sure to include your employment history and include any essential education and qualifications. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form.

Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK. If we make an offer of employment, we will need to check that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days of paid annual leave, Cycle to Work Scheme, and discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers. For more details, please visit the benefits page on our careers site.

Hybrid working, location and working pattern.

We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows. This is agreed between an employee and their line manager, considering the business, team, and employee needs.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

Our vision is to create a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener, and healthier region. We aim to achieve this vision by living our values, which include being a partnership organisation, valuing and respecting our people, fostering a can-do attitude, and encouraging innovation. We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as "Leaders in Diversity," and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, committed to interviewing all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential role criteria. WMCA believes that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.