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- Tasks: Lead the development of strategies for employment and skills in the East Midlands.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on inclusive growth and regional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities to influence policy at a high level.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong connections to local and national leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on skills and employment outcomes for your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 52413 ÂŁ per year.
Directorate: Strategy and Inclusive Growth
Grade: F17 - Salary: ÂŁ47,181-ÂŁ52,413
Contract: Full time - Secondment 12 Months
Location: Chesterfield, East Midlands (Hybrid – 2 Days in the Office)
This Is a Politically Restricted Post
Shape the Future of Skills and Employment in the East Midlands. EMCCA has an ambitious vision: to deliver inclusive growth and maximise the benefits of mayoral devolution for our region. We are seeking an exceptional Senior Policy Lead – Skills and Employment to shape and drive our strategy across employment, workforce development, and skills funding. This is a high-impact role at the heart of regional devolution — working closely with senior leaders, the Mayor, local authorities, national government, and strategic partners to design and deliver policies that improve outcomes for residents and businesses.
If you are an experienced policy professional who combines long-term strategic thinking with a practical “get things done” mindset, we want to hear from you.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Head of Policy and Partnerships, you will:
- Lead the development of EMCCA’s strategy and policy position on employment and skills
- Shape the strategic direction and delivery of the devolved Adult Skills Fund and related funding streams
- Design and champion evidence-based programmes that improve access to employment and reduce inequalities
- Influence regional and national thinking on skills devolution and funding flexibility
- Provide high-quality policy advice and briefings to the CEO, Mayor and Senior Leadership Team
- Lead responses to government consultations and support strategic funding bids
- Work collaboratively with partners across local government, central government, and the wider skills ecosystem
You will balance long-term policy development with short-term responsiveness — ensuring strong strategy translates into tangible outcomes for residents.
About You
We are looking for a strategic and politically astute policy leader with:
Essential Experience
Senior Policy Lead - Skills & Employment 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 Senior Policy Lead - Skills & Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the skills and employment sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at EMCCA or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in skills and employment policy. Familiarise yourself with EMCCA’s initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Senior Policy Lead. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Lead - Skills & Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Policy Lead role. Highlight your experience in skills and employment policy, and show how your strategic thinking aligns with our vision for inclusive growth in the East Midlands.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your success in driving policy changes or improving outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for skills and employment shines through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of skills and employment in our region.
How to prepare for a job interview at EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and policies related to skills and employment. Familiarise yourself with the current challenges in the East Midlands and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to shaping effective strategies.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically while also being practical. Think about times when you've successfully balanced long-term goals with immediate needs, especially in policy development.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders, from local authorities to national government. Highlight how you've influenced decision-making and built partnerships to drive policy initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like responding to government consultations or designing evidence-based programmes. Practice articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to achieve positive outcomes.