At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the charge in aligning skills with employer needs across the North East.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to inclusive workforce development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by shaping skills strategies for the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and partnership building is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 54495 £ per year.
Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements.
Salary: N10 £51,356 - £54,495 per annum (Please note it is North East CA policy to appoint at the starting point of the salary band).
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: Head of Skills Policy and Insight
Closing date: 20th May 2026 at 23:59
Overview: Shape the future of skills and work across the North East as a Skills Strategy Manager.
Responsibilities:
- You will be at the heart of delivering the New Deal for North East Workers—aligning adult skills provision with the real needs of employers across our priority sectors.
- You will lead vibrant sectoral partnerships and cluster networks, ensuring high quality careers provision and workforce development that makes a tangible difference to residents and businesses alike.
- You will work with businesses, education and training providers, and local partners, providing strategic leadership to develop sector skills plans and drive joined-up delivery across skills and economic development.
- You’ll ensure careers and workforce needs sit firmly at the centre of our programmes, influencing priorities, improving quality, and shaping solutions that respond to both local demand and national policy.
- In partnership with senior leaders and fellow Skills Strategy Managers, you’ll develop and deliver strategic plans for priority sectors—managing performance, budgets, risk and impact reporting.
- By building strong stakeholder networks and sharing best practice across the North East, you’ll help create a consistent, high-impact approach to sector skills delivery that supports inclusive growth and better outcomes for our communities.
Inclusivity: We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
How to Apply: If you are passionate about aligning skills, careers and workforce development with employer needs, building strong sector partnerships, and leading strategic delivery that improves outcomes for residents and businesses across the North East, we’d love to hear from you.
Skills Strategy Manager employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Contact Detail:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills Strategy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Skills Strategy Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your achievements and projects related to skills strategy and workforce development. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its current initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around the New Deal for North East Workers. Tailor your responses to show you understand their needs and can contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the North East. Keep an eye on our job postings and get your application in early to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Skills Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Skills Strategy Manager role. Highlight your experience in aligning skills with employer needs and any relevant partnerships you've built. We want to see how you can make a difference in the North East!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the tangible outcomes of your work. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've improved workforce development or influenced strategic plans. We love seeing numbers and success stories!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value inclusivity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for skills development and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website by the closing date. Double-check that you've included all required documents and that everything is polished. We’re excited to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Know Your Skills Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current skills landscape in the North East. Familiarise yourself with the key sectors and their specific needs. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate that you understand the role's impact on local businesses and communities.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in building and managing partnerships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders, such as businesses and educational institutions. Highlight how these partnerships led to tangible outcomes, aligning with the responsibilities of a Skills Strategy Manager.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic planning and performance management. Brush up on your knowledge of sector skills plans and be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing and delivering these plans. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Community Impact
Since inclusivity is a core value, be sure to express your commitment to creating inclusive programmes. Share any relevant experiences where you've championed diversity or improved access to skills development for under-represented groups. This will resonate well with the company's ethos and mission.