Chief Executive Officer

Together we are making the West Midlands the best place to live, work and visit.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is a nationally significant organisation at the forefront of regional transformation. As Chief Executive, you will be the strategic leader driving delivery of the Mayor’s priorities and shaping the future of one of the UK’s most dynamic regions.

Working in close partnership with the elected Mayor, you will bring to life four bold priorities that reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities:

• Jobs for Everyone – creating inclusive employment opportunities across the region
• Growth for Everyone – ensuring economic prosperity is shared  
• Journeys for Everyone – delivering reliable, affordable and connected transport  
• Homes for Everyone – enabling sustainable and accessible housing development

You will lead the implementation of the “West Midlands Growth Plan”, a transformative strategy to create 100,000 skilled jobs, build 120,000 new homes, grow the economy by £17 billion, and increase disposable income for working West Midlanders by £8,600 over the next decade.

This is a role that demands bold leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to public value. You will work hand-in-hand with local authorities, businesses, universities, and communities to shape long-term investment, drive innovation, and champion inclusive growth.

Your Leadership

As Chief Executive, you will be responsible for delivering high-impact programmes across transport, housing, net zero, skills, and economic development. You will oversee the expansion of the Metro network to key areas such as Birmingham Eastside and Merry Hill and lead the transition to public control of the bus network. This will restore reliability and affordability for the first time since the 1980s.

You will also guide the development of WMCA’s new corporate strategy, harnessing the opportunities presented by the Devolution Bill to elevate our status as a national exemplar of devolved governance. This will require a clear focus on transformation, transparency, and accountability.

Internally, you will lead a high-performing Executive Board, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and ensure our people are empowered to deliver for citizens. You will embody our organisational values: collaborative, driven, inclusive, and innovative. Your leadership will help build a future-ready organisation that reflects the diversity and ambition of the West Midlands

About You

You are a visionary leader with a passion for public service and a proven ability to turn strategy into delivery. You thrive in complex environments and bring clarity, energy, and purpose to everything you do. With a deep understanding of the political landscape and the challenges facing regional governance, you are adept at building trust across diverse stakeholders and driving meaningful change.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A substantial track record of executive leadership in large, multi-functional organisations  
• A clear focus on delivery, with evidence of turning strategic ambition into real-world outcomes    
• Political awareness and the ability to build effective relationships across party lines and with elected members   

Location. 

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 4-5 days a week spent in the office.

Politically Restricted Post

This is a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 2(1) (b) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Employees in politically restricted posts are prevented in having any active political role either in or outside of work.

How to apply. 

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners. Clicking ‘apply’ will take you to their careers site, where you can submit your application online.

Marek Dobrowolski, Partner   

0121 654 5912 |  0779 352 9576  

Marek.Dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk  

Corinne Attwood, Senior Researcher  

0121 654 5954  

Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk  

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, 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. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status).  We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

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

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).