Overview

Application Deadline: 14 September 2025

Department: Growth, Business and Skills

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Assistant Director Employment and Skills

Compensation: £59,449 - £64,451 / year

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) follows a structured salary grading system for all roles. The offered salary is at the starting point within the specified grade, with opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within SYMCA. The authority is reviewing terms and conditions of employment, pay and grading; changes to posts may occur and will be discussed with successful applicants. Please note SYMCA does not sponsor Skilled Worker visas.

Applications should include a cover letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Key Responsibilities

We’re seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Policy Principal – Employment and Skills to shape and deliver policy that drives inclusive economic growth across South Yorkshire. This role leads the design and championing of evidence-based policies and programmes to improve access to employment, enhance workforce skills, and reduce inequalities. A key focus will be the strategic development of the devolved Adult Skills Fund and other employment and skills-related funding streams. You’ll work closely with the Mayor and Local Authority Leaders to ensure policy is bold, responsive, and rooted in South Yorkshire’s needs.

This role emphasizes real policy development—taking ideas from strategy through delivery. You’ll lead the creation of integrated policy approaches that ensure residents access high-quality learning and employment support, and that businesses benefit from a skilled, resilient workforce.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of employment and skills policy across South Yorkshire, focusing on the Adult Skills Fund and related programmes.
• Undertake research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to shape evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Drive strategic use of devolved funding to meet labour market needs and support priority groups.
• Influence regional and national thinking on skills devolution and funding flexibility through policy proposals and briefings.
• Support the design and evaluation of pilot programmes and innovative delivery models.
• Lead responses to government consultations and contribute to strategic funding bids and business cases.
• Provide high-quality written and verbal briefings for senior leaders, elected members, and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with local authorities, training providers, employers, and national agencies.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We’re looking for someone with:

• Demonstrable experience in policy development within employment, skills, or a closely related area.
• Strong understanding of employment and skills funding, particularly the Adult Education Budget.
• Proven ability to apply research and intelligence to policy and programme design.
• Experience working within or alongside public sector institutions, ideally in a combined authority or local government context.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and partnership development.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of South Yorkshire’s economy and labour market.
• Experience contributing to successful funding bids and programme evaluations.
• Familiarity with devolution policy and the role of Combined Authorities.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of active travel facilities. We value work/life balance with family-friendly policies, flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

Benefits include:

• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – purchase up to 15 extra days per year
• Hybrid working – most roles offered on a hybrid basis; some roles onsite
• Rewarding You – discounts, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more
• Training on the job – support with upskilling through on-the-job training and qualifications
• Holiday – up to 36 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Authority – commitment to equality of opportunity and flexible working options