Strategic Lead - Place Based Budgets

We are looking for an exceptional Strategic Lead to spearhead one of the most ambitious health and public service innovation programmes in the region.

Working with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), you'll lead the development and delivery of an innovative Place-Based Budgets pilot focused on supporting adolescents with mental health needs who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) across the Black Country.

This is an opportunity to bring together partners across local government, the NHS, DWP and the voluntary sector to redesign services around young people, break down organisational barriers, and test new ways of aligning resources to improve outcomes. The learning from this pilot has the potential to influence public services not only across the West Midlands, but nationally.

As Strategic Lead, you'll be at the forefront of developing integrated approaches that connect mental health support, employment services, skills provision and local authority services around a shared goal: helping young people thrive.

You'll lead strategic partnerships, influence senior stakeholders, oversee programme mobilisation and delivery, and help create a scalable model for prevention-focused public services.

Please note this role is being offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract.

What you'll be doing

You'll provide strategic leadership across programme design, governance, stakeholder engagement and delivery, including:

• Translating national Place-Based Budgets policy into a practical and deliverable regional programme.
• Leading system-wide collaboration across local authorities, NHS organisations, DWP, VCFSE partners and central government.
• Designing integrated service models focused on prevention, early intervention and improved outcomes for young people.
• Identifying opportunities to align and, where possible, pool budgets across services.
• Driving programme mobilisation, implementation and governance arrangements.
• Managing complex stakeholder relationships and navigating competing priorities.
• Overseeing system mapping, service redesign and pathway development.
• Responsible for delivery, performance, risks and financial oversight.
• Liaising with regional and national partners on delivery, learning and design.
• Capturing learning and helping position WMCA as a national leader in health and public service innovation.

What’s essential.

You'll be an experienced strategic programme leader with a track record of delivering complex, multi-agency initiatives within public sector environments.

• Experience leading large-scale programmes involving multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Strong knowledge of public health, mental health and wellbeing, mental health services, public service reform, system change and integrated delivery approaches.
• Experience working with senior leaders across local government, the NHS, combined authorities or central government.
• Excellent programme mobilisation, governance and delivery planning skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship-building abilities.
• The confidence to operate in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• An understanding of public sector governance, funding arrangements and accountability frameworks.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience in public policy, public health, programme management or a related field.

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).