Join as Head of Policy and Partnership - Skills and Employment and provide strategic leadership and direction on all aspects of the skills and employment policy and partnerships across EMCCA. Welcome to EMCCA At the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), we are unlocking billions of pounds of investment for our region through our devolution deal with the government. Our elected Mayor will be a powerful voice on the national stage for the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, overseeing devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and net zero. We will make our region more prosperous, sustainable, and fairer, helping our people and businesses to create and seize opportunities. EMCCA’s overall work programme is evolving, ambitious and focused on the future to deliver tangible, sustainable, lasting, and systemic change for all our communities. Your role in elevating the East Midlands EMCCA’s overall work programme is evolving, ambitious and focused on the future. We are determined to deliver tangible, sustainable, lasting and systemic change for our communities within a robust governance framework. In this highly visible role, you will work closely with the Interim Director of Skills and Employment and be responsible for leading, developing, and managing all aspects of the Skills and Employment strategy. This will include leading on our engagement with national partners, including the Department for Education, Skills England, and Department for Work and Pensions. You will also coordinate our engagement with local partners and other heads of service. Key responsibilities include: Active engagement in national policy developments, building effective strategic and operational relationships with counterparts at the Department for Education, Skills England, and the Department for Work and Pensions. The provision of policy and strategic advice to the Mayor and Senior Leadership Team on issues arising from national policy or from other external sources relating to skills and employment. Leading on skills and employment strategy and associated outputs, including the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the Get Britain Working local plan and other plans and strategies that may be needed over time. Ensuring the skills and employment function within EMCCA has a robust delivery plan that is effectively coordinated with wider EMCCA activity. Building networks with counterparts across England’s Mayoral Strategic Authorities, ensuring we have a strong voice among MSAs as we collectively influence national government. Your profile: A degree or equivalent level of experience, with a management qualification or equivalent level of experience. Significant leadership experience in skills and employment and evidence of continuous professional development. Experience of successful negotiation and engagement with key government departments on policy and funding. Able to build, maintain and influence effective working relationships both internally and externally with key stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of skills and employment policy and landscape at national and local level. Comprehensive knowledge of the main issues and influences affecting the region. An understanding of devolution and local government, and current and future issues to be faced, as well as the financial, legal, and political context of public sector management. For more details on EMCCA including our rewards and benefits, please visit our website via the button below. Closing date: 20th May