Are you ready to shape the future of skills in one of the UK’s most ambitious and fast-evolving regions?

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Delivery Manager to lead our work on higher-level skills across the region.

Last month, we published theWest Midlands Growth Plan, setting out a bold vision for inclusive, long-term economic growth. At the heart of this plan is a golden thread:skills. Skills are the key to unlocking opportunity, driving innovation, and ensuring our residents can access high-quality, well-paid jobs.

A cornerstone of our strategy is a renewed focus onhigher-level skills, recognising that by 2035, over half of all jobs in the West Midlands will require qualifications atLevel 4 and above. As our economy transforms, driven byAI, advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and other high-growth clusters, our skills system and training offer must evolve in tandem.

We’re looking for aStrategic Lead for Higher Level Skillsto drive our regional response to this transformation. This is a pivotal role within WMCA’sEmployment, Skills, Health and Communities Directorate, where you’ll work at the intersection ofpolicy, delivery, and employer engagement.

What you will be doing

As Strategic Lead for Higher Level Skills, you will play a central role in shaping the region’s skills system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. Your work will directly support the ambitions of theWest Midlands Growth Plan, theUK’s modern industrial strategy, and ourInvestment Zonepriorities.

• Lead the strategy and delivery of WMCA’s higher-level skills agenda, ensuring alignment with economic growth, productivity, and innovation needs.
• Develop and implement theWMCA Higher-Level Skills Strategy, in line with ourstrategy for employment and skills.
• Represent WMCA at national and regional forums, such asSkills Englandand combined authority networks, to influence and shape policy.
• Collaborate with theWest Midlands Growth Company, high-growth cluster lead organisations, business support partners, and employer representative bodies to ensure skills interventions are demand-led and future-focused.
• Commission and co-design new curricula and programmes that address gaps in higher-level provision, particularly inclean tech, digital, advanced manufacturing, and health technologies.
• Lead a team responsible for employer-facing training and workforce development, ensuring strong links between learning and labour market needs.
• Manage strategic relationships with colleges, universities, training providers, and employers to foster system-wide collaboration and innovation.
• Maximise investment in the region through co-commissioning, employer co-investment, and national programmes such as theApprenticeship LevyandLifelong Learning Entitlement.
• Evaluate and report on programme impact, value for money, and outcomes, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and continuous improvement.

What’s Essential.

You’ll be a confident and collaborative leader with a strong track record in skills policy, programme design, and employer-led delivery. You’ll bring both strategic insight and practical experience to shape a responsive, inclusive, and future-ready skills system.

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant senior-level experience in the skills sector, with a strong understanding of employer needs and economic development.
• Deep knowledge of government skills policy, funding mechanisms, and delivery frameworks.
• Proven experience in commissioning and managing large-scale, high-impact skills programmes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across public, private, and education sectors.
• The ability to analyse labour market trends and shape agile, evidence-based responses.
• A commitment toinclusive growth, social mobility, and improving life chances for residents across the West Midlands.
• A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.

Location.

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

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account.Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, 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. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then 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. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

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, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. 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), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• 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.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

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 be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Attached documents
SDM Higher Level Skills JD.pdf