Head of Employment Support and Careers in Birmingham

We are seeking a strategic and influential leader to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) as Head of Employment Support and Careers. a crucial role with the opportunity to shape regional systems, influence national thinking, and make a lasting difference to peoples lives across the West Midlands.

This senior leadership position will drive the development and delivery of an ambitious, inclusive employment and careers ecosystem that supports individuals at every stage of life particularly those who face the greatest barriers to the labour market.

You will lead WMCAs Integrated Employment Support responsibilities, overseeing major programmes such as Connect to Work, Career Hubs, the Youth Trailblazer, and our Digital Inclusion agenda.

This is a role for a proven leader who can work across boundaries bringing together local and national government, education and training providers, employers, and community organisations to design and deliver joined-up, data-informed solutions.

What you will be doing.

• Provide strategic leadership for all employment and careers support commissioned by WMCA
• Design and embed a region-wide All-Age Careers Strategy that meets diverse needs and adapts to changing labour market conditions
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, evidence-based programmes with strong performance and social impact
• Manage large and complex budgets, contracts, and funding streams
• Build trusted partnerships with central government departments (DWP, DfE, DSIT), local authorities, jobcentres, training providers, and employers
• Represent WMCA on strategic boards and act as lead advisor on employment and careers provision
• Identify opportunities to pilot innovative approaches and scale effective models of practice
• Drive WMCAs contribution to inclusive economic growth and the Mayors Jobs for Everyone agenda

Whats essential.

• Substantial senior-level experience in employment support and/or careers provision
• A strong track record of delivering complex, cross-sector programmes
• In-depth knowledge of labour market challenges, policy, and funding structures at national and regional level.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build, motivate, and retain high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills with experience working across government, public services, and the third sector
• A personal commitment to inclusion, equity, and tackling barriers to work.

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 wont be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. its 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 ().

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. Were 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).