At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programme and policy development for major projects in West Yorkshire.
- Company: Join the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, a forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days leave, free travel, and professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of your region while making a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in planning, housing, or economic policy required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 56000 € per year.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
£49,359 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 9
Leeds / Hybrid
Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week
Closing date – 30 November at 23:55
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.
We are currently recruiting a Programme Development Lead to join our Spatial Planning and Strategic Sites team. This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in programme and policy development within the team. As part of the Combined Authority’s spatial planning function, as Programme Development Lead you will help accelerate progress on major place-based projects and policy initiatives, including the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), the regional Infrastructure Strategy, and the advancement of key strategic sites.
Working closely with local authorities and partners, you will play a central role in shaping the region’s growth potential, unlocking sites for development, supporting environmental improvements, and driving inclusive growth for the people and communities of West Yorkshire.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the Lead Policy Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
- To lead programme development and support policy development for the West Yorkshire Infrastructure Strategy (IS) and Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), and other strategic planning policy / strategy as required.
- To convene and work closely in partnership with a range of external stakeholders (locally, regionally and nationally) to support conditions for housing and jobs growth in the region aligned to the emerging Spatial Development Strategy and Local Plans.
- Develop a pipeline and secure funding for delivery-ready programmes and projects aligned to policy priorities in the SDS and IS.
Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- Hold a degree or have equivalent relevant experience in planning, housing, economic or transport policy and programme development.
- Substantial practical experience of successfully performing within either Planning, Housing, Transport or Economic policy.
- Strong track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership working and communicating effectively with a variety of audiences.
- Experienced in forming and developing effective senior level working relationships with Members, Government and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes for the organisation.
- Experienced in developing the business cases and managing projects and programmes.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met. Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.
Programme Development Lead in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous leave policies, and a commitment to sustainability through free travel across the region, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in a modern workspace located just minutes from Leeds Train Station.
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Development Lead in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around spatial planning and development. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the Programme Development Lead role. Highlight your stakeholder engagement and project management experience to make a strong impression.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Development Lead in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for in a candidate. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and skills required so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Instead, highlight specific experiences that relate to programme development and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:This is your chance to shine! Use the supporting statement to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Programme Development Lead role. Be clear, concise, and make sure to connect your skills and experiences directly to the job requirements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Programme Development Lead role. Brush up on the Spatial Development Strategy and the West Yorkshire Infrastructure Strategy, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss specific projects or policies you've worked on will show your expertise.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of partnership working, think about how you can demonstrate your experience in stakeholder engagement. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with local authorities or other partners in the past. This will highlight your ability to build relationships and drive inclusive growth.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in developing business cases and managing projects. Have specific examples at hand that illustrate your project management skills, especially those that align with planning, housing, or economic policy. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how they measure success in this role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
