West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is at a pivotal moment for the region. Through the Growth Plan, West Midlands Works and our People & Culture Strategy, we are focused on delivering growth that benefits everyone, helping more residents access opportunity, and building a high-performing organisation that can turn ambition into action.
Role Overview
As Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer, you will help the Chief Executive stay focused on priority areas, ensuring timely information, relationships, briefings and follow‑up support effective decision‑making and delivery. This role requires a politically aware, highly organised professional who can operate with discretion and judgement in a fast‑paced public sector environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support the effective running and coordination of the Chief Executive’s Office.
- Help translate the Chief Executive’s priorities into clear actions, working with senior leaders and project teams across WMCA.
- Prepare and coordinate high‑quality briefings, reports and presentations for key meetings.
- Provide advice and support on strategy, policy and horizon‑scanning to help the organisation plan ahead.
- Support the Chief Executive with local authority relationships, including oversight of MetCEX meetings.
- Support government engagement and public affairs activity, working closely with the Mayor’s Office.
- Help align organisational and mayoral communications, supporting a clear and consistent regional narrative.
- Support transformation and integration activity across WMCA, including work with the Executive Board.
- Act as a key interface with the Mayor’s Office, maintaining a productive working relationship between political and administrative functions.
- Work with People and Culture colleagues to support leadership activity around organisational culture and behaviour.
- Work with PMO colleagues to ensure the Chief Executive receives timely updates on delivery, performance and progress against priorities.
- Support the production of a regularly updated mayoral dashboard.
- Maintain oversight of strategic stakeholder relationships, meeting requests and event requests.
- Work with legal, finance and governance colleagues to support the Chief Executive’s oversight of statutory responsibilities, meeting rhythms and agenda coordination.
- Support occasional special projects driven by the Chief Executive’s Office.
- Work with finance colleagues to ensure the Chief Executive receives timely updates on financial matters.
- Support oversight of the Chief Executive’s Office budget.
- Represent the Chief Executive’s Office professionally and support senior relationships where appropriate.
What’s Essential
- Proven experience in a strategic advisory, coordination or support role within government, public sector or a political environment.
- Experience in policy development and implementation at a senior level.
- Experience managing or supporting high‑profile relationships with political leaders, business representatives, public bodies or strategic partners.
- Experience coordinating activity, supporting operations and ensuring effective delivery of priorities.
- Experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, advocacy or a related environment.
- Strong organisational skills, managing competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Political awareness and a strong understanding of local, regional and national government.
- Strong problem‑solving and strategic thinking skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of influencing and engaging senior stakeholders.
- Understanding of West Midlands regional challenges, economic landscape and policy priorities.
- Experience working in high‑pressure environments where priorities can change quickly.
- Ability to work with discretion, sound judgement and attention to detail.
- Degree in Politics, Public Policy, Business or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Location
16 Summer Lane, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
Salary and Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
- 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 volunteer leave each year.
- Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 retailers, including a Costco membership through WMCA.
- Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and additional benefits and discounts.
- Eye Care Scheme – free eye test and financial contribution towards glasses.
Equal Opportunity Statement
WMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider the disability status of applicants and refrain from injurious inquiries at the initial application stage. We value diversity and encourage applications from individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference, even if you feel you may not meet all traditional criteria.
Right to Work
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 need to hold a relevant visa from UK Visas and Immigration.
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