At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of a £25 million programme to boost the creative economy in the West Midlands.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Combined Authority, driving growth and regeneration in creative industries.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 28 days leave, healthcare plans, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until March 2029 with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the creative landscape while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme delivery, strong communication skills, and a passion for the creative sector.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About the role
At the West Midlands Combined Authority, we are investing in the power of the creative economy to drive growth, opportunity and regeneration across our region. We are now looking for a Delivery Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of the Creative Places Growth Fund (CPGF) – a game changing £25 million programme designed to strengthen and grow the West Midlands' creative industries over the next three years. The Delivery Manager will lead the successful commissioning, mobilisation and delivery of the Creative Places Growth Fund, ensuring outcomes are achieved through strong governance, effective partnership working, and robust programme and financial management. You will work across WMCA teams, local authorities, industry partners, universities and the West Midlands Growth Company to ensure the programme delivers tangible, measurable impact. Many of the projects within the fund will be new to WMCA delivery, making this a highly influential role in shaping how we work, deliver and collaborate in this space. Fixed‑term contract until 31st March 2029.
What you will be doing
- Lead the mobilisation and delivery of the Creative Places Growth Fund programme
- Ensure programme objectives are clearly defined and aligned to economic, social and creative growth outcomes
- Develop high‑quality, evidence‑based proposals, business cases, delivery plans and reports
- Apply project and programme management methodologies from design through to delivery and evaluation
- Coordinate cross‑functional activity to ensure effective, compliant and efficient delivery
- Oversee governance, legal, financial and risk management processes across the programme
- Monitor performance, manage risks and ensure issues are identified and resolved effectively
- Embed evaluation and learning into programme design to support continuous improvement
- Use data, insight and user‑centred approaches to inform decision‑making and innovation
- Produce high‑quality briefings, reports and presentations for senior leaders and external partners
- Manage delegated budgets, ensuring strong financial oversight, value for money and compliance
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, savings and improved investment impact
- Lead and support a team of up to five direct reports, including coaching, performance and development
- Build strong relationships across public, private and voluntary sector partners
- Represent WMCA at senior meetings, boards and external events
- Contribute to strategic communications, sharing impact and success stories across the region
- Maintain awareness of political, policy and regulatory developments relevant to the role
What's Essential
- Proven experience of programme delivery and end‑to‑end management
- Experience of writing business cases, delivery plans, reports and evidence‑based proposals
- Line management experience and confidence leading teams
- Strong understanding of the culture and creative industries landscape
- Awareness of political context, policy drivers and regulatory frameworks
- Excellent analytical, organisational and attention‑to‑detail skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Advanced IT skills, including MS Office for reporting, presentations and analysis
- Experience of managing budgets and financial processes effectively
- A collaborative, proactive approach to working across multiple partners and priorities
Location
The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.
Salary and benefits
We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK)
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs)
- 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days
- EV car benefit scheme
- Healthcare plans
- Discounted gym membership, will writing and mortgage advice
- An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate
- 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more
- You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA
- Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts
- Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Delivery Manager - Creative Places Growth Fund employer: West Midlands Combined Authority
At the West Midlands Combined Authority, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including generous pension schemes, ample annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, all while working in the heart of the West Midlands' creative economy. Join us in making a tangible impact on the region's creative industries through meaningful projects that drive regeneration and opportunity.
Contact Detail:
West Midlands Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Delivery Manager - Creative Places Growth Fund
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the creative industries. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your project management experience and any successful programmes you've delivered. Use this as a conversation starter during interviews to demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to the Creative Places Growth Fund.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the West Midlands Combined Authority and their initiatives. Understand their goals for the Creative Places Growth Fund and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make some creative magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Delivery Manager - Creative Places Growth Fund
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in programme delivery and management. We want to see how your skills align with the Creative Places Growth Fund objectives!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since you'll be developing high-quality proposals and reports, it's essential to demonstrate your writing prowess. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of your previous work that showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
Highlight Team Leadership Experience:As a Delivery Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share your line management experience and how you've successfully coached and developed team members in the past. We love seeing collaborative approaches!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the creative economy.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Combined Authority
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Creative Places Growth Fund programme. Understand its objectives, the impact it aims to achieve, and how it aligns with the West Midlands' creative industries. This knowledge will help you articulate your vision for the role and demonstrate your commitment to driving growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Delivery Manager, you'll be leading a team and coordinating with various partners. Prepare examples of your past experiences in managing teams and projects. Highlight how you've successfully navigated challenges, fostered collaboration, and achieved results through effective leadership.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Proposals
Since writing high-quality proposals and reports is key to this role, come prepared with examples of your previous work. Be ready to discuss how you approach creating evidence-based proposals and how you ensure they align with programme objectives and stakeholder needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical skills, so be prepared to discuss how you use data and insights to inform decision-making. Think of specific instances where your analytical abilities led to improved outcomes or efficiencies in previous projects, and be ready to share those stories.
