Sector Innovation Lead in Bristol

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint x4 Sector Innovation Leads on a fixed-term secondment opportunity within our Partnerships Team. This is a unique opportunity for professionals working in one of the West of England's priority growth sectors to spend a defined period contributing to regional economic development, partnership working and strategic delivery at a regional level. The opportunity is designed to bring sector expertise into the Combined Authority while providing successful applicants with valuable experience of regional leadership, public policy and place-based economic growth.

Applicants must have the support of their current employer to undertake the secondment and remain employed by their home organisation throughout the secondment period. Working at the heart of a fast-growing regional economy, you will help shape strategic partnerships, influence regional priorities and support collaborative activity that drives economic growth, innovation, investment and opportunity across the West of England.

The successful candidate will have experience of and be aligned to one of four strategic sectors:

• Advanced Manufacturing - strengthen capabilities in aerospace, defence, robotics, space, and advanced engineering technologies.
• Digital & Technologies - one of the fastest-growing sectors in the region, delivering substantial economic value through digital innovation, data, software, emerging technologies, and transformation programmes.
• Clean Energy Industries - a rapidly expanding sector with strong employment growth since 2015, driven by the transition to net zero, renewable technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and green investment.
• Everyday Economy - The role will support growth and resilience, strengthening the services, businesses, and workforce that underpin daily life and thriving communities across the West of England.

About This Secondment Opportunity

This role is being offered as a secondment for a period of 9 months (subject to agreement between the Combined Authority and the successful applicant's employer). The secondment has been designed to strengthen collaboration between the Combined Authority and key sectors across the region, bringing current industry knowledge, insight and experience into the development and delivery of regional priorities.

Responsibilities

Throughout the secondment, you will:

• Remain employed by your existing organisation at your current rate of remuneration. These costs will be charged to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority for the period of the secondment and should be estimated to be at a cost of Grade 12 (£58,843 to £64,337), which is consistent with where the role has been evaluated.
• Continue to act as an ambassador for your sector while working within the Combined Authority.
• Gain first‑hand experience of regional strategy, economic development, policy and programme delivery.
• Build a broader professional network across public, private, education and third‑sector organisations.
• Return to your organisation with enhanced leadership, partnership and strategic delivery experience.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Influence regional strategy and investment decisions.
• Work alongside senior leaders from industry, government, academia and the wider public sector.
• Develop your strategic leadership and partnership-building capabilities.
• Gain experience operating within a complex political and stakeholder environment.
• Bring fresh insight and expertise into regional decision‑making.
• Create lasting impact for businesses, communities and residents across the West of England.

Requirements

• Applicants must have agreement from their current employer before applying for the role.
• Applicants must be prepared to attend on site at the Bristol office two-three days a week.
• Applicants will need to disclose their current salary and benefits as part of the assessment.
• Applicants along with their employer and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) must sign the secondment agreement for the secondment to take effect.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
• We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week.
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England.
• The salary for this role is £58,843- £64,337. This is the full‑time equivalent salary, and will be pro‑rata for part‑time.
• We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, 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.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates

Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. The closing date for this role is midnight on Sunday 8th November 2026. The interviews are planned to be held w/c 16th and 23rd November at our offices at 70 Redcliff St, Bristol BS1 6AL, but please note the date may change.