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Job IntroductionHead of International Growth

We are seeking a strategic and outward-looking leader to shape the West of England’s international growth agenda, building high-value partnerships, identifying global opportunities and championing the region for the good of people who live, work and visit the West of England.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint a Head of International Growth to join the Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders team, where your key responsibility will be to deliver the Mayor’s priorities by:

• Lead and coordinate the region’s international engagement and strategic innovation partnership activity, aligning priorities with long-term economic growth objectives.
• Provide strategic intelligence on global investment, innovation and technology trends, advising senior leaders on emerging opportunities, risks and market developments.
• Develop and manage high-impact innovation partnerships and programmes across research, technology, innovation adoption and strategic growth sectors.
• Represent the region at national and international forums, building influential relationships and strengthening collaboration with key partners and stakeholders.
• Enhance the region’s global profile through strategic engagement, thought leadership and compelling narratives that increase investor confidence, visibility and international influence.

What you'll be doing

You will be instrumental in connecting the MCA with the region’s research-intensive universities, R&D institutions, technology businesses and strategic investors to accelerate economic growth, strengthen priority sectors and develop globally competitive propositions.

Using strategic insight, relationship-building expertise and a strong focus on outcomes, you will create and sustain partnership arrangements that deliver real impact, strengthen collective leadership across the region and support the successful delivery of mayoral priorities.

What you'll bring

You will bring exceptional relationship-building, influencing and commercial skills, with the ability to develop trusted partnerships across government, business, academia, investors and international networks. You will have experience of identifying and translating global opportunities into tangible outcomes that support economic growth, innovation and investment.

You will bring strong strategic insight, with the ability to analyse global trends, emerging technologies and market developments, using evidence and intelligence to shape decision-making and long-term priorities. You will be adept at developing compelling business cases, articulating clear value propositions, evaluating risks and opportunities, and demonstrating robust financial and economic benefits.Most importantly, you will bring an outward-looking and collaborative approach, championing innovation, fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing the region's international profile, competitiveness and influence on the global stage.

We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders across government, business, academia and international networks.
• Proven ability to identify and develop strategic partnerships, international collaborations and innovation opportunities that deliver economic growth and regional impact.
• Strong analytical capability, able to interpret complex data, market intelligence and global trends to inform strategy and support decision-making.
• Experience of developing compelling business cases, articulating clear value propositions, assessing risks and opportunities, and presenting robust financial and economic evidence.
• Commercially aware and forward-thinking, with a strong understanding of international investment trends and the global economic landscape.
• Resilient and adaptable leader, comfortable operating in complex political and stakeholder environments, challenging convention and driving ambitious outcomes at pace.

Why choose us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of partnership working across one of the UK's most ambitious and innovative combined authorities.

You will play a leading role in developing strategic relationships that influence regional growth, strengthen communities and improve outcomes for people and places across the West of England.

Working at the heart of regional leadership, you'll have the opportunity to influence major decisions, collaborate with senior leaders across multiple sectors and help create the conditions for long-term success across the region.

If you have a passion for partnership working, exceptional leadership skills and the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, this is the role for you.

Find out more

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you'd be a great fit.

More information is in the job description but if you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact the Resourcing Team: resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

The closing date for this role is midnight on 4th August 2026.

Interviews are planned to take place on the week commencing 10th August 2026.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).

• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £81,798 - £89,415. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, 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.

Good Employment Charter
https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, we provide interview questions to all shortlisted candidates in advance/on request. This approach helps ensure everyone can demonstrate their skills, knowledge and experience fully, and supports our duties under the Equality Act 2010. You will also be asked follow-up questions during the interview to explore your responses in more detail.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.