Policy and Partnerships Manager

Title: Policy and Partnerships Manager

Grade/Salary: Band I, SCP 44-47 (£57,444 - £60,973 per annum)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37

Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE

This is a rare opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role at the heart of Sandwell Council, leading the development of our corporate policy function while driving strategic partnership working across the borough. As Policy and Partnerships Manager, you will build and lead an impactful policy team that combines long-term strategic thinking and horizon scanning with responsive, evidence-led policy advice for Cabinet, the Strategic Leadership Team and elected members.

Working across organisational and sector boundaries, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the Council and the borough. You will lead the development of policies, strategies and initiatives that support the Council's priorities, while ensuring that decision-making is informed by robust evidence, insight and the voices of local communities.

Alongside this, you will act as the lead officer for the Sandwell Together Partnership, bringing together public, private, voluntary, community and faith sector partners around a shared vision for Sandwell. Through collaboration, influence and strategic leadership, you will help drive collective action that improves outcomes for residents, strengthens relationships across the borough and enhances Sandwell Council's reputation as a leading local authority and partner organisation.

About the role

As Policy and Partnerships Manager, you will lead the Council's corporate policy function and provide strategic advice that shapes priorities, informs decision-making and improves outcomes for residents. You will also lead the Sandwell Together Partnership, driving collaboration across sectors to deliver a shared vision for Sandwell.

• Leading the Council's corporate policy function and supporting the development of major corporate strategies.
• Providing policy research, analysis, horizon scanning and strategic advice to senior leaders and elected members.
• Driving innovation through evidence-led policy development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
• Leading partnership activity through the Sandwell Together Partnership and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and anchor institutions.
• Developing strategic plans and delivery programmes that improve outcomes for local communities.
• Building productive relationships with regional and national partners including the West Midlands Combined Authority, neighbouring authorities and government bodies.

About You

We're looking for a highly skilled strategic leader with significant experience of policy development, partnership working and organisational influence within local government or a comparable public sector environment.

You will bring:

• A degree-level qualification or substantial relevant experience in a similar role.
• A successful track record of leading policy, strategy or transformational programmes.
• Experience of developing and influencing high-level partnerships across multiple sectors.
• The ability to build credibility with elected members, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence and deliver through others.
• Political awareness, sound judgement and a passion for improving outcomes for residents.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values-led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell

To Apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement to Sukhy Lall (Sukhy_Lall@sandwell.gov.uk)

Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk.

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact Sukhy Lall (Sukhy_Lall@sandwell.gov.uk)

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