Are you ready to be the driving force behind the Mayor's strategic vision? As the Mayor's most senior advisor, the Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in translating political ambition into actionable policies, ensuring seamless alignment between policy execution and operational oversight. This position guarantees that the Mayor's priorities are effectively implemented by the Mayoral Office, West Midlands Combined Authority, and external partners. As the primary point of contact for stakeholders engaging with the Mayor, the Chief of Staff ensures the Mayor's agenda is executed with precision, pace, and impact. This role demands a profound understanding of public affairs, operations, and policy delivery, providing strategic counsel to the Mayor and ensuring the smooth functioning of the office. Moreover, the Chief of Staff is tasked with articulating the Mayor's vision to partners and stakeholders, ensuring it resonates across the region. This involves collaborating with the WMCA and external organisations to maximise alignment with the Mayor's priorities and strategically utilising the Mayor's time to drive impactful results. Please note: this position aligns with the Mayor's term in office. What you will be doing. Leadership & Oversight: direct and manage the Mayors agenda, ensuring effective implementation of the Mayors vision through policy development, operational delivery, and public affairs. Strategic Coordination: ensure WMCA departments, local authorities, and regional partners align with the Mayors priorities. Stakeholder Management: serve as the primary representative for the Mayor in meetings with government bodies, business leaders, and strategic partners. Operational Delivery: ensure effective execution of Mayoral commitments, tracking progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies. Public Affairs & Policy Execution: engage with government officials, Ministers, regional politicians and public sector partners to advance policy ambitions, lobbying for regional interests and securing investment. Communication: work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the Mayors vision is well-articulated and that engagements, meetings, media appearances and events contribute meaningfully to the delivery of his agenda. Whats essential. Evidence of operating at a senior strategic advisory level within government, public sector, or political environments. Evidence of successfully developing and implementing policy at a senior level. Demonstrated ability to manage high-profile relationships with political leaders, business executives, and public bodies. Track record of motivating and leading teams, coordinating operations, and ensuring effective delivery of priorities. Experience in public affairs, lobbying, or advocacy, with knowledge of government decision-making processes. Political awareness and deep understanding of local, regional, and national government. High-level problem-solving and strategic thinking capabilities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level. Understanding of the West Midlands regional challenges, economic landscape, and policy priorities. Experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with competing priorities. Degree in Politics, Public Policy, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Key dates. Step 1: Application shortlisting - 28th March Step 2: Meet the Team & Interviews - week commencing 7th April Step 3: Chat with Mayor and Chief Executive (successful candidates) - 15th April Location. The location for this role is 16 Summer with at least 4/5 days a week spent in the office. Politically Restricted Post This is a politically restricted post in accordance with Section 2(1) (b) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Employees in politically restricted posts are prevented in having any active political role either in or outside of work. How to apply. Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit. Anonymised Applications. Your uploaded CV wont be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. its your chance to showcase your skills and experience. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) We cannot stop anyone from using AI 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 (). 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 ). 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax. Ethical saving options and healthcare plans. Discounted gym membership. 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. 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. 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. Were a Disability Confident Employer with Leader status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. 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). ADZN1_UKTJ