Policy Manager – Culture and Creative Economy

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Policy Manager – Culture and Creative Economy

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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

Desired Qualifications and Skills

  • 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 role is based at Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Contract

This is a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2029.

Benefits

  • Local Government Pension Scheme – one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK
  • Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme to build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions
  • 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
  • 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 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

Right to Work

Proof of Right to Work in the UK is required for all applicants. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) must hold a relevant visa from UK Visas and Immigration.

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Company: West Midlands Combined Authority
Apply for the Policy Manager – Culture and Creative Economy
Location: Birmingham
Job Description:

Policy Manager – Culture and Creative Economy

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • 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

Desired Qualifications and Skills

  • 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 role is based at Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Contract

This is a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2029.

Benefits

  • Local Government Pension Scheme – one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK
  • Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme to build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions
  • 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
  • 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 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

Right to Work

Proof of Right to Work in the UK is required for all applicants. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) must hold a relevant visa from UK Visas and Immigration.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: May 20th, 2026