Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
We are looking for a high calibre Head of West Midlands Investment Zone (WM IZ) to champion this exciting new programme. In this prominent role, you'll lead the WM IZ, driving economic prosperity across the West Midlands. You'll set the strategic vision, manage daily operations, and ensure the programme is compliant, inclusive, impactful, and delivered efficiently.
What you will do.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive programme delivery plan for the WM IZ, including milestones, budgets, and risk assessments.
- Lead the creation and refinement of the WM IZ Investment and Delivery Plan.
- Oversee all governance processes for the WM IZ, ensuring information is effectively communicated to relevant boards and committees.
- Facilitate timely decision-making by coordinating business case submissions and maintaining close collaboration with WMCA finance teams and delivery partners.
- Work with local authorities to ensure timely and budget-compliant site development, while establishing robust governance structures.
- Encourage collaboration between internal and external partners to overcome delivery hurdles and identify solutions.
- Coordinate communication between workstream leads for regional programmes including innovation, skills, business support, and inward investment.
- Keep the WMCA Senior Team and Mayor informed about the programme's progress.
- Collaborate with WMGC and local partners (including the private sector) to develop investment opportunities.
- Integrate the WM IZ programme with other strategic initiatives, requiring strong coordination across various WMCA departments.
- Champion inclusive stakeholder engagement to maximise programme impact and expedite outcomes. This includes collaboration with universities, research institutions, the commercial property sector, investors, local authorities, and government agencies.
About You.
- Proven track record in at least one of the following areas: economic development, place regeneration, inward investment, innovation, or skills.
- Extensive experience in leading strategic development within economic or social policy contexts.
- A demonstrated ability to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary programmes.
- In-depth understanding of current policy landscapes for mayoral combined authorities, with a talent for critical thinking and policy innovation.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills, adept at building and maintaining strong partnerships across various internal and external organisations.
- A clear grasp of Combined Authorities and their interactions with regional partners and government bodies.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will 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.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
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.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
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 all applicants with disabilities who meet 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. 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.
Right to Work in the UK
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.
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.