Innovation Policy Manager

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), This is an influential opportunity to help shape the future of business innovation policy across the West Midlands Combined Authority area. As Innovation Policy Manager, you will lead the development of evidence-led policies and programmes covering innovation, research and development, technology commercialisation, and the important relationship between innovation and skills. Your work will support inclusive economic growth, inform wider regional strategies and help build the case for greater devolved innovation funding. This is an exciting time to join WMCA, as we are working with UK Government and peer Mayoral Strategic Authorities to Rewire The State. This role will take a leading and influential role in designing and coordinating how the Government’s commitment to “devolve a substantial share of near to market innovation funding” should be implemented. Working closely with the West Midlands Innovation Board – a partnership of senior leaders across business, academia, and the public sector - you will manage its strategy, work programme, governance and stakeholder relationships. You will bring partners together, maintain their engagement and provide the constructive challenge needed to turn shared ambitions into clear priorities and deliverable action. You will be adept at engaging and maintaining relationships across complex partnerships, particularly with senior board members, business leaders and government stakeholders. You will be comfortable operating in politically sensitive environments, constructively challenging others when needed while maintaining trust and keeping partners focused on shared outcomes. What You Will Be Doing. Lead the development of plans and approaches relating to near-to-market innovation funding aligned to Plan for Growth outcomes. Lead research and policy development to help inform the rationale and evidence for devolved innovation funding as part of Rewiring The State. Provide research, intelligence and insight to inform regional economic strategies, innovation plans and wider mayoral priorities. Provide high quality, policy advice, briefings and reports to internal and external stakeholders, including central government. Manage the West Midlands Innovation Board strategy, operations, and stakeholder relations. Lead on coordination, commissioning, oversight of delivery, and evaluation of the work programme of the West Midlands Innovation Board – including a strong focus on innovation-skills linkages. Lead the development of the West Midlands business-technology commercialisation agenda, including but not limited to a focus on AI. What’s Essential. Substantial experience of leading evidence-led innovation, R they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have. Collaborative - We work as one organisation. Together we build trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and residents to create the biggest impact for our region. Driven - We are focused on outcomes. We perform at our best to unlock productivity and delivery, achieving the greatest regional impact. Inclusive - We value difference. Creating an environment where people belong, and feel psychologically safe, so we can all thrive and shape a West Midlands built for everyone. Innovative - We are courageous. We embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo to continuously improve and shape the future of the West Midlands. Creating an inclusive workplace. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. 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). #J-18808-Ljbffr