Head of Commercial Activity

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional transport authority in Birmingham is seeking a Head of Commercial Activity to shape commercial strategies for ambitious bus reforms. The ideal candidate will have extensive commercial strategy experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships effectively. This role blends strategic oversight with hands-on delivery to enhance public transport across the West Midlands.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme

28 days paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in commercial strategy within complex environments.
• Proven record in executing commercial opportunities.
• Strong financial and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term commercial strategy.
• Lead the development of advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
• Provide commercial advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

Contract management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Degree level education or equivalent professional experience

Job description

At the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), we’re reimagining what public transport can be - reliable, affordable, sustainable and centred on people.

Bus reform is one of the most significant projects we’ve ever undertaken. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the way our region travels, creating a network that works better for passengers, operators and communities alike.

To make this happen, we’re bringing together expertise in operations, finance, and innovation to build a commercial model that’s ambitious, resilient and future-focused.

We’re now looking for a Head of Commercial Activity to lead this work and help define the commercial direction of bus reform across the West Midlands.

As Head of Commercial Activity, you’ll be responsible for designing and delivering the commercial frameworks that underpin the success of bus reform.

You’ll lead the creation of strategies that balance financial sustainability, passenger benefit and operator partnership, ensuring the region’s transport ambitions are supported by a strong commercial foundation.

What you will be doing.

• Develop and implement a long-term commercial strategy that supports the delivery of bus reform and WMCA’s wider transport objectives.
• Design and oversee commercial models for franchised and enhanced partnership arrangements.
• Identify and realise new commercial and revenue opportunities across the transport network.
• Lead the development of advertising, sponsorship and partnership opportunities to maximise the value of WMCA’s assets.
• Oversee the commercial management of contracts, agreements and intellectual property.
• Provide high-level commercial advice and insight to senior leaders, elected members and stakeholders.
• Use data and market intelligence to shape strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead, develop and inspire a team to deliver high-quality, commercially focused outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues, bus operators, government partners and local authorities to ensure effective and inclusive delivery.

This is a senior role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on commercial delivery - shaping the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious transport reforms.

What’s essential.

You’re an experienced commercial strategist and leader who can see both the bigger picture and the operational detail. You know how to turn complex challenges into achievable plans and how to build partnerships that deliver long-term value.

You will bring:

• Substantial experience of developing and delivering commercial strategies within complex or multi-stakeholder environments.
• A proven record of identifying, structuring and executing commercial opportunities that drive growth and efficiency.
• Experience in contract management, intellectual property, and commercial negotiations.
• Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving skills with a focus on value for money and innovation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively in a politically led organisation.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that empowers others and builds capability.
• Adaptability and resilience in leading through change and ambiguity.
• Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience.

Experience in the transport, infrastructure or regulated sectors would be advantageous, as would an understanding of public transport strategy and delivery models.

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.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement.Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application.Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

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 ([e-mail]).

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.

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 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).

Attached documents

Head of Commercial Activity - final JD.pdf