At the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are shaping a region where creativity and culture sit at the heart of economic growth, placemaking and opportunity.
We are seeking a Policy Manager to join our Culture and Creative Economy team to lead on the development of culture and creative industries policy, helping ensure the West Midlands continues to grow as a leading creative region.
This is a high-impact role where strategy, evidence and partnership come together to influence investment, shape regional priorities, and support a thriving creative sector.
As Policy Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of policy and strategy for the culture and creative industries across the West Midlands. You will ensure that culture and creativity are fully embedded within wider economic growth, regeneration and investment priorities, helping to unlock the full potential of the region’s creative sector.
You will work across WMCA, local authorities, industry partners, universities and government to shape programmes, influence funding decisions and drive collaboration across the wider creative and cultural landscape.
This role is being advertised as a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2029
What you will be doing
- Lead the development, integration and delivery of culture and creative industries policy across the region
- Shape strategy that connects creativity to productivity, inclusive growth and placemaking outcomes
- Commission, interpret and apply research and evidence to inform policy, investment decisions and programme design
- Develop robust, Green Book–compliant investment propositions and policy frameworks
- Provide high-quality briefings, reports and strategic advice to senior leaders and government stakeholders
- Lead engagement with local authorities, creative sector partners, industry bodies and national organisations
- Support and facilitate governance groups, working groups and industry-led boards
- Represent WMCA at senior external meetings and events, championing the region’s creative agenda
- Contribute to the design of new programmes, pilots and funding bids
- Support monitoring, evaluation and reporting of key projects and interventions
- Manage delegated budgets and ensure value for money, strong governance and financial integrity
- Work closely with communications colleagues to promote the region’s cultural and creative strengths
What's Essential.
- Strong knowledge of the culture and creative industries and their role in inclusive economic growth
- Experience developing policy, strategy or programmes in a complex stakeholder environment
- Confidence in managing politically sensitive issues with sound judgement
- Experience producing high-quality reports, briefings and policy analysis
- Strong stakeholder management skills across public, private and voluntary sectors
- Experience facilitating meetings, partnerships or governance structures
- Ability to translate research and evidence into clear, actionable policy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior audiences
- A collaborative working style and commitment to partnership working
Location.
The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
How to apply.
Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.
- Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
- Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
- Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
- 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 to 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).
- 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.
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.
Our Values and Behaviours.
Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.
- Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
- Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
- Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
- Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.
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).
Attached documents
