Director- Employment, Skills and Inclusion

As Director of Employment, Skills and Inclusion, you’ll be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction of the commissioning and delivery of our broad range of programmes that attract new opportunities and enable people in the region to fully participate in, and contribute to, economic growth.

This role will be responsible for leading the CA’s integrated settlement across employment support, skills and inclusion and using devolved powers to provide and commission services across Adult Skills, Employment Support, Careers and Inclusion.

Leading strategic development and delivery, the role will provide system leadership, working across internal services and in partnership with local authorities, government departments and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

This is a perfect opportunity for someone who is comfortable working in fast-paced environments, has experience of leading and managing large teams, driving the commissioning and delivery of complex programmes with funding and delivery targets, and building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have a record of achievement in a similar role, of operating in a complex environment, along with strategic commissioning experience, a thorough understanding of the employment and skills landscape, a track record of delivering complex programmes and overseeing the effective planning and delivery of a diverse range of services and initiatives.

You’ll also have a good understanding of central, regional and local government, the wider public sector and experience of working closely with senior leaders.

Finally, like us, you’ll have a passionate commitment for the Liverpool City Region and its 1.6 million residents and as the successful candidate you’ll demonstrate our three key behaviours of LCR First, Action Focus and Respect.

If you think you match the job description, and our values, then click on the link to apply. Please ensure that you provide clear examples and evidence in your application of how you meet the below key essential criteria. The information you provide in your application will be used for shortlisting.

• Record of achievement in a similar role, of operating in a complex environment, preferably in regional and/or central government or relevant agency
• Direct experience of successfully developing and leading employment support and/or adult skills programmes
• Experience of developing an effective approach to programme and project development and analysis which can inform and influence strategic direction, initiative development and implementation

Please highlight how you meet the remaining essential criteria outlined in the person specification within your CV.

The Liverpool City Region is world-famous for its history, culture and creativity. A place of firsts, it is the birthplace of modern railways, public health and international trade. Now, our economy is being transformed once again, changing the world through world-leading innovation in health and life sciences, digital and creative, and advanced manufacturing - growing an economy already worth £35 billion a year.

The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing this innovation-led economy. We are seizing the unique opportunity to use our devolved powers and funding to create wealth and prosperity for all our 1.6 million residents and the whole UK - investing in our economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be: The best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business - where no-one is left behind.

Staff Benefits:

• Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years service, as well as bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All-Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year plus All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and Free counselling service
• Automatic enrolment to our Westfield Health Programme
• Corporate discounts at council-owned gyms
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and even a £1k interest free learning loan for any non-job-related learning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have declared that they: have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are a member of a reservist or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces as we are under-represented by people from these communities. To be considered under one of these schemes, you must indicate your eligibility in the relevant section of the application form. In addition, you must clearly demonstrate in your personal statement how you meet all the key essential criteria listed above, and highlight how you meet the remaining essential criteria outlined in the person specification within your CV. Applications that do not include this evidence will not be considered under the guaranteed interview schemes.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply:

Please apply online via the link provided. CV applications will only be accepted alongside a completed personal and monitoring information online application form.