Head of Regions and Nations

Job description WIG is a membership charity that is building a community of leaders across public, private and not-for-profit sectors to drive growth and prosperity across the UK. For over 40 years, WIG has brought together senior decision-makers and thought leaders from business, government and civil society to tackle the challenges that matter most to the UK’s future. The organisation is in a period of strategic growth, investing in new capabilities, regional expansion and marketing reach to deliver against a five-year strategy running to 2029. After a successful one year pilot, WIG is establishing a second office in Manchester as the foundation for expanding its presence, relationships and impact across the UK’s regions and nations. The office will enable WIG to convene sustained cross‑sector dialogue closer to where policy is implemented, public services are delivered and regional economic priorities are shaped. The Head of Regions and Nations will be responsible for standing up this office and leading WIG’s place‑based delivery. The role will have accountability for shaping of the long‑term model that will scale WIG’s offer across the nations and regions of the UK. Following strong Board and member backing for an ambitious place‑based offer and a successful pilot year, the Head of Regions and Nations is responsible for establishing WIG’s Regions particularly important as the regions and nations team scales. Experience Essential At least three years’ experience as a Head of, or in an equivalent senior leadership role, within a place‑based, regional, public sector, civil society, public policy or membership context. Demonstrable knowledge of devolution, regional economic development and the cross‑sector leadership challenges facing UK city‑regions and nations. Track record of building and sustaining senior‑level relationships across government, business and civil society, ideally with Combined Authority or devolved administration leaders. Experience of designing and delivering programmes – leadership, dialogue, research or commissioned interventions – with strong quality assurance and impact evaluation practice. Commercial acumen with experience of developing programme business cases, managing budgets and meeting financial targets Experience of leading and developing a small team, with a track record of building capability through periods of growth or change. Desirable Strong existing networks in Greater Manchester and the wider North West or other comparable regions. Experience of working with combined authorities, devolved administrations or anchor institutions on partnership models or commissioned programmes. Background in a membership body, charity or other mission‑driven organisation operating across multiple geographies. Familiarity with leadership development, talent programmes or cross‑sector exchange in a structured programme context. Experience of supporting organisational scaling, business case development or trustee‑level investment decisions.