Chief Executive Support Manager

Are you ready to take on a high-profile role, working closely with senior leaders to shape the future of a major regional authority? If so, we have an outstanding opportunity for you.

As Chief Executive Support Manager at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), you will be a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive, ensuring they are fully equipped to lead strategy and deliver key priorities across the region.

 This is a rare opportunity to gain direct exposure to senior leadership, influence major policy decisions, and make a tangible impact on communities across the West Midlands.

This opportunity would suit a proactive, strategic thinker with experience in policy or strategy, who can navigate complex environments with confidence and agility.

What You’ll Be Doing.

• Ensure the Chief Executive is fully briefed on matters that may impact the WMCA’s agenda, ensuring they’re always prepared for key decisions.
• Work across the organisation to streamline governance, support efficient decision-making, and ensure the successful delivery of strategic priorities.
• Act as a liaison between the Chief Executive’s office, the Mayor’s office, and other key teams within the WMCA to align priorities and communicate effectively.
• Identify emerging challenges and opportunities, providing the Chief Executive with proactive solutions to stay ahead of the curve.
• Manage the flow of information to the Chief Executive, ensuring they are well-prepared for meetings and decision-making moments.
• Attend key meetings on behalf of the Chief Executive, recording decisions, and ensuring follow-through on actions.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across government, business, and the community to secure support for the WMCA’s vision and objectives.

What’s Essential.

• Experience working with senior leaders in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
• A strategic thinker with a proactive mindset, confident in making independent decisions and solving problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and facilitate collaboration.
• A solid understanding of local government, English devolution, or public policy is desirable.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.

Location.

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

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

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) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. 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).