At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of culture and creative industries policy for economic growth.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Combined Authority, shaping a vibrant creative region.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 28 days leave, healthcare plans, and discounts on shopping.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the creative economy and drive inclusive growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are shaping a region where creativity and culture sit at the heart of economic growth, placemaking and opportunity. We are seeking a Policy Manager to join our Culture and Creative Economy team to lead on the development of culture and creative industries policy, helping ensure the West Midlands continues to grow as a leading creative region.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, integration and delivery of culture and creative industries policy across the region.
- Shape strategy that connects creativity to productivity, inclusive growth and placemaking outcomes.
- Commission, interpret and apply research and evidence to inform policy, investment decisions and programme design.
- Develop robust, Green Book–compliant investment propositions and policy frameworks.
- Provide high-quality briefings, reports and strategic advice to senior leaders and government stakeholders.
- Lead engagement with local authorities, creative sector partners, industry bodies and national organisations.
- Support and facilitate governance groups, working groups and industry-led boards.
- Represent WMCA at senior external meetings and events, championing the region’s creative agenda.
- Contribute to the design of new programmes, pilots and funding bids.
- Support monitoring, evaluation and reporting of key projects and interventions.
- Manage delegated budgets and ensure value for money, strong governance and financial integrity.
- Work closely with communications colleagues to promote the region’s cultural and creative strengths.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- Strong knowledge of the culture and creative industries and their role in inclusive economic growth.
- Experience developing policy, strategy or programmes in a complex stakeholder environment.
- Confidence in managing politically sensitive issues with sound judgement.
- Experience producing high-quality reports, briefings and policy analysis.
- Strong stakeholder management skills across public, private and voluntary sectors.
- Experience facilitating meetings, partnerships or governance structures.
- Ability to translate research and evidence into clear, actionable policy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior audiences.
- A collaborative working style and commitment to partnership working.
Location
The role is based at Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
Contract
This is a fixed-term contract until 31st March 2029.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme – one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK.
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme to build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions.
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
- EV car benefit scheme.
- Healthcare plans.
- Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
- 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 a Costco membership through the WMCA Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
- Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.
Right to Work
Proof of Right to Work in the UK is required for all applicants. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) must hold a relevant visa from UK Visas and Immigration.
Policy Manager - Culture and Creative Economy in Birmingham employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
At the West Midlands Combined Authority, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and culture as key drivers of economic growth. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional development and engagement with diverse stakeholders. With a generous benefits package, including a robust pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and support for personal well-being, we are committed to creating a rewarding and meaningful workplace for our team members.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Manager - Culture and Creative Economy in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the culture and creative industries. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience in policy development and stakeholder management. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this to demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay informed about industry trends! Read up on the latest developments in the culture and creative economy. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also position you as a thought leader in discussions with stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Manager - Culture and Creative Economy in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the culture and creative industries. We want to see your passion for how creativity drives economic growth in the West Midlands. Dive into the job description and align your experience with what we're looking for!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We love it when applicants tailor their documents to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Show us how your background fits perfectly with the role of Policy Manager and the goals of our Culture and Creative Economy team.
Be Clear and Concise:When it comes to written applications, clarity is key. We appreciate well-structured documents that get straight to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon – we want to see your ideas shine through without any fluff!
Show Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past. We’re all about partnership working here at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the culture and creative industries, especially how they relate to economic growth. Brush up on recent policies and initiatives in the West Midlands, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing complex stakeholder environments. Think about times you've successfully engaged with local authorities or industry bodies, and be ready to discuss how you navigated any challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Since this role involves shaping strategy, come prepared with ideas on how creativity can drive productivity and inclusive growth. Think about specific strategies you've developed in the past and how they could apply to the West Midlands context.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to influence senior audiences, so focus on how you can present complex information in an accessible way. Consider preparing a brief report or presentation to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview.
