Policy Manager - High Growth Clusters

The West Midlands is focused on accelerating growth in the sectors with the greatest potential to drive productivity, innovation and high-value employment.

As part of the West Midlands Growth Plan, we are developing targeted growth plans for five high-growth clusters, alongside a pan-Midlands plan for defence. We are now looking to appoint three Policy Managers to lead this work.

If you are motivated by shaping strategy, influencing policy and working at senior levels across organisations, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful regional difference.

As a Policy Manager - High Growth Clusters, you will lead the development of cluster-based growth plans that set clear ambitions for the region and outline how innovation, skills, supply chains, energy and international activity can unlock further growth.

Working closely with business-led groups, universities, colleges, local authorities and industry bodies, you will ensure these plans are evidence-led, deliverable and aligned with national sector priorities and inward investment strategies.

You will operate across a complex partnership landscape, engaging stakeholders from operational teams through to Chief Executive and Mayoral level, providing insight, coordination and policy leadership.

What you will be doing. 

• Leading policy development focused on productivity and growth within priority high-growth clusters
• Developing comprehensive cluster growth plans, including delivery approaches and evaluation frameworks
• Providing high-quality research, intelligence and economic analysis to inform the West Midlands Growth Plan and mayoral priorities
• Designing and influencing new programmes, including pilot initiatives and funding bids
• Producing clear, evidence-based briefings and reports for senior leaders and central government
• Convening and managing industry-led boards, working groups and stakeholder forums
• Building and maintaining strong partnerships across local authorities, universities, employers and representative organisations
• Representing WMCA externally and deputising for senior officers where required

What’s essential.

We are looking for experienced policy professionals who can combine analytical expertise with strong relationship leadership.

You will bring:

• A proven track record of developing and sustaining effective multi-organisation partnerships
• Experience engaging with business leaders to understand sector drivers and co-create interventions that meet industry needs
• Significant experience using research and analysis to inform economic policy and advise senior executives or elected leaders
• Experience designing programmes and working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver outcomes
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of one or more high-growth clusters and their associated opportunities and challenges
• A collaborative, collegiate and proactive working style

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.

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 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.

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).