Inclusive Economy Manager (Employment & Skills)

Inclusive Economy Manager (Employment & Skills) £52,619 per annum - Grade 9 Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week

We currently have three opportunities for Inclusive Economy Managers to join our Employment and Skills team at a pivotal time for devolution in West Yorkshire. As national reforms continue to provide greater local influence over employment, skills and education funding, you will play a key role in developing and delivering ambitious, evidence-led policies that help create a Region of Learning and Creativity and ensure residents can access the opportunities they need to succeed.

Working within our Inclusive Economy, Skills and Culture Directorate, you will lead high-profile policy projects across areas such as skills and technical education, employment support, further devolution of funding and services, and initiatives to tackle youth unemployment and economic inactivity. As Inclusive Economy Manager, you will work closely with government, local authorities, training providers, employers and community partners to shape the future employment and skills system, delivering positive outcomes for people, businesses and communities across West Yorkshire.

Our Offer

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Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.

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Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.

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Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).

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Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.

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Investing in you –Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.

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Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.

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Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.

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Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.

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Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

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Leading the development and implementation of a pipeline of policy interventions, by shaping investment priorities, securing resources, overseeing strategic commissioning, and ensuring alignment with policy priorities in the Region of Learning and Creativity Strategy, Local Growth Plan and Mayoral Pledges.

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Convening and collaborating with a range of external stakeholders, developing strategically important relationships (locally, regionally, nationally and internationally) to deliver activity against strategic objectives.

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Leadership of teams to drive delivery and continuous improvement in a changing landscape, across large complex areas and multiple locations.

Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education, and experience:

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Substantial experience and a high level of understanding of relevant local and national policy relating to education, skills and employment, including knowledge and understanding of the political structures and influences within the region, local and central government and business representative organisations.

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Ability to lead teams based in multiple/partner locations including associated line management/ team responsibilities, through change, particularly in response to funding and policy evolution.

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Proven experience of confidently and professionally conveying information both written and oral in a clear, concise and persuasive style.

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Experience of making compelling business cases / reports to a range of audiences.

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Comprehensive experience of leading, negotiating and influencing stakeholders.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met