Key Responsibilities
The Chair will lead the Board through the critical early years of the MDC, establishing the discipline, focus and confidence required to move from ambition to delivery. This includes shaping a board culture that is strategic, outward‑facing and delivery‑oriented, while remaining grounded in strong public accountability and stewardship of public assets.
You will work closely with the Mayor and senior partners to ensure the MDC’s vision is translated into a clear, prioritised and investable programme. This will involve overseeing the development of the strategic business plan and investment framework, testing ambition against market reality, funding availability and delivery capacity, and ensuring the organisation retains momentum as it navigates complex land, infrastructure and commercial challenges.
As Chair, you will ensure that governance arrangements are proportionate, robust and enabling. You will provide assurance on decision‑making, risk management, performance and value for money, working constructively with the Monitoring Officer, finance leads and executive team. You will also play a central role in supporting and challenging the executive, helping to build an organisation that is trusted by government, respected by investors and capable of sustaining delivery over the long term.
Externally, you will act as a visible and credible ambassador for BEMDC. This includes engaging with government, public funding agencies, investors, developers, infrastructure providers and civic partners, building confidence in the MDC as a delivery partner of choice and helping to unlock the relationships, capital and support needed to realise the programme’s full potential.
The Person
This role calls for a Chair with the presence, judgement and experience to lead a complex regeneration body at a pivotal point in its development. You are likely to have chaired or operated at board level within major investment, regeneration, infrastructure or place‑based delivery organisations, and to be comfortable working at the intersection of public purpose and private investment.
You will bring a deep understanding of developing major investment strategies along with the realities of land assembly, infrastructure sequencing, funding, partnership and market engagement. You will be confident operating in politically sensitive environments, able to build trust with elected leaders and senior officials while maintaining independence, balance and sound governance.
Above all, you will combine ambition with realism. You will be able to support pace and creativity, while asking the right questions, setting clear expectations and holding the organisation to account for delivery. Your style will be collegiate, authoritative and enabling, helping to create the conditions in which the MDC can mature into a confident, credible and long‑term steward of East Birmingham’s regeneration.
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).
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).
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