Project Officer (OPSI)

We are looking for an organised, proactive and curious Project Officer to join our Office for Public Service Innovation (OPSI). This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in strengthening public services across the region by supporting work that tackles some of the most important challenges we face today.

You’ll contribute to a diverse portfolio of innovative programmes, from improving outcomes for people living in temporary accommodation, to developing new approaches to youth unemployment and advancing work in early years. At the heart of this role is a commitment to making a difference, helping teams test new ideas and deliver better outcomes for our communities.

This is a dynamic, fast-paced role where you’ll work across multiple projects at once. One morning you might be preparing reports for senior leaders, followed by coordinating a partnership workshop in the afternoon, and analysing project data the next day. Alongside this, you’ll bring a strong learning mindset, actively seeking out connections, spotting patterns and bringing together ideas to support innovative approaches.

If you enjoy variety, problem-solving and keeping multiple moving parts organised, and are motivated by improving public services through innovation, you’ll feel right at home.

What you'll be doing.

You'll provide project and programme support across a range of public service innovation initiatives, helping teams deliver successful outcomes from concept through to implementation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the delivery of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they're delivered to time, budget and quality standards.
• Coordinating governance processes, reporting cycles and project assurance requirements.
• Producing reports, briefing papers and presentations for senior leaders, boards and funding partners.
• Collecting, analysing and presenting data to support decision-making and demonstrate project impact.
• Organising and supporting partnership meetings, steering groups, workshops and stakeholder events.
• Building positive relationships with colleagues and partners across local government, the NHS, universities, voluntary organisations and central government.
• Maintaining project documentation including plans, risk registers, financial records and programme schedules.
• Supporting funding bids, compliance activity and monitoring returns.
• Working alongside communications colleagues to share learning, celebrate success and promote innovation.
• Helping embed lessons learned and continuous improvement across the programme portfolio.

What’s essential.

You'll be highly organised, naturally collaborative and comfortable working in an environment where priorities can change quickly.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience supporting projects or programmes in a complex organisation.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical skills with confidence working with data, budgets and performance information.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style for different audiences.
• Experience building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Great attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, high-quality work under pressure.
• The confidence to work independently while contributing positively to a supportive team.

Location.

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, 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. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; 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, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative- We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

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).