Head of Finance Business Partnering and Strategic Planning

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for strategic financial planning and business partnering? We are looking for an enthusiastic and results-driven Head of Finance Business Partnering and Strategic Planning to join our team. This role is crucial in shaping and guiding our Finance Business Partner and Financial Planning team to deliver exceptional strategic and commercial support across the organisation. 

With integrated settlement changing the way WMCA receives its funding and ultimately how it operates, this is an exhilarating time to join us. As our Head of Finance Business Partnering and Strategic Planning, you will play a key role in navigating and leveraging this new landscape to drive financial success and innovation working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 

This role is suited to a persuasive leader who can stimulate and inspire others to act. You must also be comfortable operating in an evolving, fast-paced environment and be committed to achieving results.  

What you will be doing 

• Leadership Excellence: Inspire and lead the Finance Business Partnering and Financial Planning team to achieve high standards of commercial and strategic support, ensuring they are equipped to excel in senior roles.
• Strategic Vision: Drive robust and sustainable financial planning to create comprehensive financial plans that align with our organisational goals.
• Decisive Action: Make quick, calculated decisions in response to changing conditions, providing effective support to leadership teams for strong governance.
• Innovative Problem Solving: Foster a culture of results-focused idea generation, innovative and creative problem solving, and calculated risk-taking.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring their commitment to achieving results.
• Accountability: Act as a deputy for the Finance Director, ensuring the stewardship of public funds and compliance with necessary regulations, maintaining the financial integrity of the Authority.
• Collaborative Decision-Making: Engage in action-oriented and collaborative decision-making, stimulating others to act and focus on results.
• Effective Delegation: Delegate tasks as necessary, ensuring follow-up on timeliness and quality, and holding accountability for results.

What’s essential.  

• CCAB qualification.
• Awareness of public sector financial governance and regulations. 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication, networking and negotiating skills.
• Proven track record of providing professional finance services to senior stakeholders and influencing business decisions within a complex environment.
• Experience of adhering to complex governance arrangements.
• Experience of building, maintaining and leveraging collaboration networks and partnerships.

Location. 

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

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).