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- Tasks: Lead strategic policy development and collaborate with key stakeholders to shape regional initiatives.
- Company: Join the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, committed to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days annual leave, free travel, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in West Yorkshire's future while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong collaboration skills are essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers excellent professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
£56,481 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 10
Leeds / Hybrid
Full time / Fixed term up to 12 months
Closing date – 8 February at 23:55
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We are seeking an experienced Strategic Policy Manager to lead our Strategy Team. The team is at the cutting edge of West Yorkshire’s approach to implementing the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, shaping how we collaborate with Government and embed emerging policy across the region.
As Strategic Policy Manager, you will drive forward the development of evidence-based policy and strategic thinking to support key priorities for West Yorkshire. Success will rely on strong collaboration - working closely with colleagues across the organisation, Government partners, stakeholders, and wider regional partners. You will also work directly with Senior Leaders within the organisation to make a real impact on this important work. This presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the Combined Authority’s vision: making West Yorkshire a brighter, fairer place where everyone can thrive.
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 Head of Strategy and Corporate Performance, your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, owning, and developing strategic and cross cutting policy and strategy proposals including delivery of regional cross-cutting themes such as EDI and Inclusive Growth.
- Leading, thinking, and identifying opportunities to be at the forefront of changes to regional and national strategy, including the devolution agenda and exploring innovation through public service reform.
- Working closely with internal colleagues, Local Authority partners and other relevant stakeholders to influence and shape their activities and gain their input to support the delivery of Combined Authority ambitions.
- Briefing the Mayor and other senior leaders on strategic issues.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- Experience of leading policy development in a fast-moving partnership context.
- A highly collaborative approach, able to work positively with a number of partners and stakeholders to reach shared outcomes.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage changing priorities and operate within an ambiguous environment.
- Politically astute, with an excellent working knowledge of the policy agenda relating to regional government.
- Experience of leading a team or relevant comparable experience, for example gained through matrix or project management.
- Hold a degree in economic policy, politics or a relevant field or have relevant demonstrable practical experience.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website 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. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.
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.
Strategic Policy Manager in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Policy Manager in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the Combined Authority. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching the Combined Authority’s recent projects and policies. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around collaboration and strategic policy development. Practice common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to speak with hiring managers or during interviews, highlight your collaborative approach and any successful projects you've led. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve navigated complex policy environments and worked with diverse stakeholders.
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them of your key strengths. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely care about the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Policy Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about being a Strategic Policy Manager and how your values align with our vision for West Yorkshire.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences match the job requirements. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your collaborative approach and policy development experience!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make your application easy to read by using straightforward language and breaking up text into manageable sections. This helps us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Check Your Application Before Submitting: Before you hit that submit button, give your application a thorough once-over. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so take a moment to ensure everything is polished. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, as well as the key priorities for West Yorkshire. Brush up on recent policy changes and how they impact regional governance. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since this role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with different teams or partners in the past. Highlight your ability to navigate complex relationships and achieve shared outcomes.
✨Be Politically Astute
Demonstrate your understanding of the political landscape in regional government. Be ready to discuss current issues and how they relate to the Combined Authority's goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also engaged with the broader context.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready to ask about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals. Think about asking how the team measures success or what challenges they foresee in the upcoming year.
