Executive Director - Major Capital Programmes

The West Midlands stands at a pivotal point in its history, poised for transformative and sustained growth. Evidence of this momentum is unmistakable: the latest Birmingham Crane Survey shows the region not merely keeping pace, but surging ahead, new developments have doubled in just the past year, foreign direct investment is at an all-time high, and housing starts have reached their highest level in a decade. Ambition and confidence are flourishing throughout the area.

This remarkable progress is the result of strategic vision and collaboration, enabling the identification of four dynamic growth corridors designed to unlock opportunity and foster innovation. With a robust pipeline of projects, such as the Birmingham Sports Quarter, Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor, and Coventry’s Cultural Gateway, the West Midlands is shaping a future that promises economic vitality, cultural enrichment, and environmental sustainability.

Against this backdrop of rapid expansion and limitless potential, WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) seeks an exceptional leader for the role of Executive Director, Major Capital Programmes. The successful candidate will harness this energy, build on strong foundations, and guide the region through the next chapter of its ambitious journey. This is an opportunity to shape lasting benefits for communities, businesses, and stakeholders, ensuring the West Midlands’ period of unprecedented growth is both inclusive and enduring.

At the heart of WMCA’s mission, the Executive Director leads a multifaceted programme, collaborating with a wide range of partners and unlocking funding to drive projects forward. Supported by the WMCA Board and thematic boards, the role is central to maintaining high standards of governance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

About The Role:

This is a pivotal position, demanding strategic leadership and oversight of WMCA’s major capital portfolio. The successful candidate will take responsibility for managing capital programmes from their earliest stages through to completion, spanning transport, housing, regeneration, and infrastructure. Priorities will be set, projects sequenced, and benefits realised, with a focus on strengthening governance, assurance and risk management so that all programmes meet safety, quality, value for money, and statutory standards.

Funding and Delivery

Securing and managing funding and investment is central to the role, requiring alignment of government settlements, external funding, and partnership finance. The Executive Director will build and lead a high-performing client and delivery function, working closely with WMCA, delivery bodies, local authorities, and supply chains. Commercial discipline is essential; responsibilities cover procurement, contracting, and supplier performance, maintaining the desired outcomes in terms of cost, time, and quality.

Commitment to Sustainability and Leadership

Championing net zero and social value is integral, with ESG principles embedded in both the design and delivery of programmes. The Executive Director will be a visible regional leader, representing WMCA with government, partners, and industry stakeholders. Specific responsibilities will be agreed as part of the job description.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from a variety of sector backgrounds. The ideal candidate will offer a proven track record of leading complex capital programmes or portfolios at scale, whether in transport, regeneration, housing, infrastructure, or related fields. Strong governance and assurance credentials are essential, together with the ability to balance pace and risk using sound judgement. Relevant experience in funding and commercial models—including business cases, investment, procurement, and commercial negotiation—is highly valued. The role calls for credibility in convening partners across central and local government, delivery agencies, and the market, alongside confident stakeholder management and communication skills. Inclusive leadership is also paramount, focusing on building capability, motivating multidisciplinary teams and supply chains, and fostering a culture of delivery and learning. We expect a genuine commitment to public value, equity, and sustainability.

WMCA is the driving force behind inclusive growth, regeneration, and innovation across the West Midlands’ seven metropolitan areas. By bringing together local councils and strategic partners, WMCA accelerates progress in transport, housing, skills, productivity, community support, and climate action, all underpinned by robust governance and transparent collaboration. The authority is committed to connecting people with opportunity and addressing climate objectives, propelling the region forward with purpose and accountability.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

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).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). 
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days. 
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• 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. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.   
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses. 

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

Our Values.

Our behaviours sit at the heart of our values, helping to shape how we work together as WMCA employees and setting clear expectations.

Collaborative

• Team Focused – working as part of team, managing and leading

• Service Driven – customer, resident and partner focused

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 are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

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).