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- Tasks: Lead the development of skills and employment strategies for York and North Yorkshire.
- Company: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, shaping a brighter future for the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to drive positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while leading innovative skills initiatives.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in skills and employment, with strong strategic planning skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusive growth and career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
The Organisation The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024. It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.
The Opportunity
The Head of Skills, Education and Employment will lead on the strategic development and delivery of regional skills and employment strategies across the York and North Yorkshire region. This senior role is central to delivering the Mayoral vision and Economic Framework, ensuring the successful implementation of a £30M annual devolved skills funding programme and driving inclusive growth across the region. The successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of integrated strategies that respond to employer needs, support high-growth sectors, and raise aspirations through education and careers programmes. Reporting into Andy Kerr, the Director of Economy, this is a key leadership role with responsibility for managing specialist teams and working in close partnership with local authorities, national agencies, and education providers. We are seeking an accomplished strategic leader with extensive experience in the skills and employment sector, underpinned by a thorough understanding of both local and national policy contexts. You will bring the drive and commitment to shape and develop the service, with a background in working in political environments. Additionally, you will:
- Lead the strategic development of skills and employment strategies aligned with the Mayoral vision.
- Oversee the delivery of devolved skills funding programmes and ensure compliance with governance frameworks.
- Manage the Combined Authority Careers Hub and deliver the all-age careers strategy.
- Represent YNYCA in high-level engagements with government departments and stakeholders.
- Ensure effective resource management, including budget oversight and staff leadership.
- Maintain strategic partnerships with universities, colleges, and training providers.
What you will bring
- Significant leadership experience in the skills and employment sector, with a background of local government or public sector.
- In-depth knowledge of national and regional skills policy and funding landscapes.
- Proven ability to design and deliver large-scale programmes.
- Strong strategic planning, analytical, and performance management capabilities.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience in driving organisational change, managing budgets and leading diverse teams.
Contact and Apply
If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please visit our dedicated campaign site for more information: YNYCA career opportunities > NY Resourcing
Key Dates
Closing date: Sunday 21 September
Final Interview: Friday 3 October (in person – York)
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Head of Skills, Education and Employment employer: FE Week
Contact Detail:
FE Week Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Skills, Education and Employment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its goals. Understand their vision and how your skills align with their mission. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of Skills, Education and Employment. Keep it concise and impactful, focusing on your leadership experience and strategic vision.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Skills, Education and Employment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the skills and employment sector. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Skills, Education and Employment, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so be sure to emphasise your experience managing teams and driving organisational change. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so share examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives in the past.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking: We need a strategic leader, so make it clear how you’ve developed and implemented strategies in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical skills and how you’ve responded to employer needs or market changes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our dedicated campaign site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at FE Week
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the skills and employment sector, especially in relation to local and national policies. Brush up on the Mayoral vision and Economic Framework, as well as the specifics of the £30M annual devolved skills funding programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing diverse teams and driving organisational change. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered large-scale programmes in the past.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would maintain strategic partnerships with universities, colleges, and training providers. Be prepared to share your strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and negotiation during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since this role involves strategic planning and performance management, come equipped with examples of how you've used analytical skills to inform decision-making. Highlight any experience you have in budget oversight and resource management.