Overview

At the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), we are looking for a Senior Health & Communities Manager to lead our bold work on mental health and health inequalities – putting health at the centre of everything we do, from housing and transport to skills and economic growth. This is your chance to shape the future of this partnership for healthier communities in the West Midlands. You’ll work alongside senior leaders locally and nationally, influence policy at the highest levels, and be part of a mission-driven team determined to reduce inequalities and improve wellbeing for millions of people.

What you will be doing

• Champion the legacy of the West Midlands Mental Health Commission, leading pilots that connect employment and mental health, especially supporting our ambitions for youth mental wellbeing.
• Drive forward research and intelligence on health, including the influential Health of the Region report.
• Embed the Health in All Policies approach across all WMCA programmes.
• Influence the West Midlands Growth Plan, ensuring wellbeing drives economic success.
• Build powerful partnerships with NHS, ICSs, Public Health, and Strategic Mayoral Authorities nationwide.
• Lead teams, manage resources, and deliver outcomes that change lives.

Essential qualifications

• Senior-level expertise in public health, ideally with a focus on mental health, health intelligence, or tackling inequalities.
• A deep understanding of the health and care system and national policy landscape.
• Proven experience leading major programmes and securing funding.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.

Location

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

How to apply

• Create your Careers Account: Register with your name, email address, and a password.
• Build your Profile: Upload your CV to populate your career and education details.
• Write your Supporting Statement: Address each of the required essential criteria.
• Submit your application: Do a final check and click submit.

Anonymised Applications

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. If you choose to use AI, use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting.

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).

Salary and benefits

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more).
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing and mortgage advice.
• An 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 more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Creating an inclusive workplace

WMCA holds diversity accreditations and is committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We encourage applicants to highlight transferable skills and potential, even if they do not meet every traditional requirement. We are open to part-time, flexible, and job-share arrangements.

Right to Work

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants, and non-UK applicants would need to hold a relevant visa.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• General Business

Industries

• Government Administration