Head of Workforce Development

As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to supporting veterans find and secure employment opportunities. This includes a guaranteed interview to those who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Please note, you should hear from us within four weeks of the closing date if you are shortlisted for interview, otherwise you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

Guidance for Applicants: You must ensure that anything submitted in your application is factually accurate. Plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Whilst we accept candidates may use AI tools within job applications; submissions must be truthful and relevant to your own experience.

You'll be a collaborative leader with senior experience in skills, employment, workforce development or economic growth, with a strong track record of creating and delivering workforce, skills, careers or employment plans that benefit residents and employers. The ability to work with employers, try new approaches and design practical skills programmes that respond to real workforce demand and support business growth is essential.

Experience leading large programmes with public funding, strong financial control, governance, performance tracking and compliance is required. You should have experience commissioning or managing services that support skills, employability, career progression and workforce growth, along with a good understanding of labour market trends, workforce planning and how skills support growth.

Experience managing major budgets and funding programmes with a focus on measurable results and value for money is necessary. Strong relationship-building skills across government, councils, employers, education providers and voluntary sector partners are important. You should be able to align workforce activity with employer demand, investment opportunities and regional priorities.

Experience leading and developing high-performing teams, along with clear communication and influencing skills, is crucial, as is the confidence to represent an organisation at senior level. Experience securing extra funding and developing partnerships that deliver lasting impact is also desired.

Above all, you'll be a forward-thinking leader who wants to create opportunities for people, support employers and help Tees Valley build the skilled workforce it needs to grow.

Additional Information: Applications should include a cover letter demonstrating alignment to the Competency Framework: Leadership & Direction, Communication & Influence, Experience & Technical, Responsibility & Accountability.

Tees Valley is where five unique boroughs come together to make one remarkable region - one that harnesses its inventive spirit to get things done. Tees Valley Combined Authority was established in 2016 with devolved powers and funding from central Government.

We're looking for an experienced Head of Workforce Development to lead skills, careers and employment programmes that help people progress and help businesses find the talent they need. You'll lead major funding programmes, including the Adult Skills Fund, Connect to Work, Youth Trailblazer and future devolved skills and employment programmes. Your focus will be on matching skills investment with employer demand and the region's growth plans.

This is a senior role with real influence. You'll also be part of a new leadership team working together to shape Tees Valley's future workforce, support employers and help the region grow.

Hybrid/Flexible working, 27 Days annual leave, increasing to 32 days after 5 years service, Holiday Purchase Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme (16.6% employer contribution), Access to Private Counselling Sessions, Access to Physio Therapy Sessions, Specsavers Eye-Care Vouchers, Cycle to Work Scheme, Car Lease Scheme, Free Parking, On Site Café with staff Discount & more!