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- Tasks: Lead transformative skills and employment initiatives to boost the East Midlands' economy.
- Company: Join EMCCA, a pioneering authority driving regional growth and opportunity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful work in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and shape the future of the East Midlands.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in skills, employment, or economic development required.
- Other info: Engage with key stakeholders and influence policy for lasting change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join us in this senior, system-wide leadership role at the heart of EMCCA’s mission to transform the life chances, prosperity, and productivity of people across the East Midlands.
Welcome to EMCCA. The East Midlands has huge potential. As the UK’s first mayor-led combined county authority, EMCCA will unlock it - bringing devolved powers over transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic growth and net zero. We’re here to make the region better connected, better funded and better prepared for a future of opportunity. By shaping strategies and building partnerships, we will maximise the impact of billions of pounds of investment; putting the East Midlands firmly on the map as a place to live, work and thrive.
Your role in elevating the East Midlands: As a key deputy to the Director of Skills & Employment, you will reshape how the region invests in, funds and delivers skills and employment support. Leading major programmes, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring that evidence, insight, and innovation drive every intervention; you will ensure interventions are targeted where it delivers the greatest economic and social impact. Your remit will include leading major place-based programmes, strategic oversight of the careers, youth employment and emerging NEET agenda, and acting as a senior interface with local partners, employers, health bodies, and central government to deliver real change for our people, places and economy.
Your profile:
- A degree or equivalent level of experience, with demonstrable post qualification CPD to maintain professional development
- Significant senior leadership experience in skills, employment, economic development, or related policy areas.
- Proven experience of leading large-scale, complex programmes and funding portfolios in a public or partnership setting.
- Demonstrable experience of commissioning, funding prioritisation, and performance management.
- Strong record of accomplishment of leading and influencing complex partnerships across sectors.
- Experience of engaging with and influencing central government or national agencies.
- Experience of working in politically sensitive environments with elected members or senior stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of labour markets, skills systems, and employment policy, including youth employment and NEET prevention.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate policy into deliverable programmes.
- Highly developed communication and influencing skills.
For more details on EMCCA including our rewards and benefits, please visit: https://www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/careers/
Closing date: 29th March 2026. NB - this is a politically restricted post as designated under the LGHA and any subsequent amendment and you may not have any active political role either in or outside of work. Office location – all roles are based at NGEC, Saltergate, Chesterfield, S40 1UT unless stated otherwise.
Strategic Head of Skills and Employment in Chesterfield employer: EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
Contact Detail:
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Head of Skills and Employment in Chesterfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Understand EMCCA’s goals and how your skills can contribute to transforming the East Midlands. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience and ideas, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Head of Skills and Employment in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at EMCCA, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since this role is all about strategic leadership, highlight your past experiences leading large-scale programmes and partnerships. We’re keen to see how you’ve influenced change and driven results in previous roles, so give us the details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still conveying your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the skills and employment landscape, especially in relation to the East Midlands. Brush up on current policies, local economic challenges, and successful programmes that have made an impact. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, particularly those involving large-scale programmes or partnerships. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and navigated complex environments. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive change.
✨Engage with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with EMCCA’s mission and values. Think about how your personal goals align with their vision for the East Midlands. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for transforming lives and driving economic growth in the region.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current initiatives, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.