Head of Business, Innovation and Skills Policy – PD/B1

KIRKLEES COUNCIL ARE ADVERTISING THIS ROLE ON BEHALF OF WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY

West Yorkshire Combined Authority are seeking an inspiring leader to develop our business, innovation and skills policy across the city region. You will work with and develop a talented team delivering creative and evidence-based policies to help fulfil our ambition to be recognised globally as a strong, successful economy where everyone can build great businesses, careers, and lives.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Combined Authority, following the £1.8bn devolution deal and the election of our first Mayor of West Yorkshire. Devolution will enable us to drive up living standards for local communities while tackling the climate emergency.

We bring together local councils and businesses, through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) ensure that our work meets the needs of employers so that everyone in our region can benefit from economic prosperity supported by a modern, accessible transport network, housing and digital connections.

We are looking for someone who can lead thinking and develop innovative solutions through strong partnerships with other organisations. You will work effectively to influence national and regional agendas and secure external funding for the organisation to deliver on our strategic objectives for the region. You will have the opportunity to help shape the team with growing sector specialisms including health innovation, the creative industries and digital skills.

The Role:

Reporting into the Director of Policy and Development, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, planning, and the strategic development of our economic policies, including business, industry, skills, and innovation.
• Development of programmes, investments and pipelines to further the region’s ambitions for a strong and inclusive economy, through growing resilient, productive businesses; harnessing digital; driving innovation; and creating opportunity for higher skills.
• Building strong and trusting partnerships with other local authorities and businesses to order to co-develop solutions for the region.
• Securing investment to further our ambitions
• Be a key adviser to the Mayor and Combined Authority members

About You:

You will have a track record of success in working across policy areas, developing policy and strategy, bidding for and developing business cases and securing funding.

A demonstrable track record of practical and successful experience of engagement with a wide range of external bodies and influencing strategic decision makers.

Experience of leading, managing and developing a high performing team.

Our Offer:

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Generous employer contribution pension scheme
• Fully funded travel in West Yorkshire on bus and rail with the MCard
• Flexible working practises with Health and Wellbeing initiatives to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.

Applicants are advised that the Combined Authority is currently in consultation with employees and Trade Unions to review the Terms and Conditions of Employment and Staff Benefits.

The detail of the proposals for change, will be discussed with the successful candidate at the point of offer.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please upload your CV to our online application form telling us why you would be a great fit for our role. Please visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk for more information and details of how to apply.

Please apply by 11:55pm on 15 September 2021.

Applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.

The Combined Authority’s aim is to attract people from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture and represent the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to inclusivity and will consider requests for flexible working including part time and job share arrangements.

Candidates will be notified of invitation to interview by e-mail and interviews will be carried out either by phone or video interview, likely to be early October.

Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases, on an annual basis.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Candidate information will be retained by the Combined Authority for six months unless you make a request for this to be deleted.