Policy Manager

Join to apply for the Policy Manager role at West Midlands Combined Authority

This range is provided by West Midlands Combined Authority. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

We are seeking a Policy Manager to join our Employment, Skills, Health and Communities Directorate and help shape the future of employment and skills policy across the West Midlands.

Working within the Insight and Intelligence Team in the Employment, Skills, Health and Communities Directorate, you will lead the development of evidence‑led policies and programmes that support residents to access learning, build skills, and progress into employment or within their careers.

A key focus of the role is leading the development and delivery of our Employment and Skills Strategy, alongside wider funding policies that maximise the impact of devolved investment.

This is a visible, demanding strategic role requiring strong policy expertise, analytical capability, and the ability to work confidently across complex political and stakeholder environments.

• Lead the strategic development of employment and skills policy across the West Midlands.
• Develop and deliver the Employment and Skills Strategy and associated funding policies.
• Use research, data, evaluation, and insight to inform evidence‑led policy and programme decisions.
• Contribute to national and regional policy development, including the case for further devolution and co‑commissioning.
• Provide research and intelligence to inform priorities for employment and skills investment and wider WMCA programmes.
• Support Directorate‑led programmes, including shaping pilots, leading funding bids, and overseeing evaluation and review.
• Produce clear, high‑quality briefings, reports, and policy advice for a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, education providers, employers, business representative organisations, and government partners.
• Represent the organisation at external meetings and events.

• Significant experience contributing to policy and or strategy development ideally within a political or public sector context.
• A strong track record of using research, analysis, and evaluation to inform policy and strategy.
• Proven experience of project management, evaluation, and reporting.
• Excellent knowledge of employment and skills policy, funding, and delivery, including the Adult Education Budget.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly for a range of audiences.
• Strong influencing and oral communication skills, with confidence providing clear advice.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Understanding of political processes and experience handling politically sensitive issues.
• A collaborative and collegiate approach, with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels, including people management under matrix‑models.

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

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.

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).

• Mid‑Senior level
• Full‑time
• General Business and Project Management
• Government Administration

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases,…