Innovation Policy Lead - Devolved Funding & Regional Growth

Wmjobs; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Healthcare plans

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking an Innovation Policy Manager to shape evidence-led policy across innovation, R&D, technology commercialisation and skills, supporting inclusive growth and informing devolved funding decisions.

You will lead the West Midlands Innovation Board, coordinate multi‑partner policy programmes, translate complex data into robust options, and provide high‑quality briefings to government, business leaders and partners.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience leading evidence-led innovation policy.
• Ability to interpret complex research for policy options.
• Experience leading multi-partner policy work.
• Experience building relationships with senior business leaders.
• Excellent knowledge of economic development and innovation policy.
• Knowledge of regional policy landscape (transport, housing, skills).
• Strong analytical skills to develop evidence-based options.
• Ability to draw on diverse research methods for policy.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Understanding of UK regional economics, macro policy, housing, transport.
• Understanding political processes and managing sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of plans and approaches relating to near-to-market innovation funding aligned to Plan for Growth outcomes.
• Lead research and policy development to inform devolved innovation funding.
• Provide research, intelligence and insight to inform regional economic strategies, innovation plans and wider mayoral priorities.
• Provide high quality, policy advice, briefings and reports to internal and external stakeholders, including central government.
• Manage the West Midlands Innovation Board strategy, operations, and stakeholder relations.
• Lead on coordination, commissioning, oversight of delivery, and evaluation of the work programme of the West Midlands Innovation Board – including a strong focus on innovation-skills linkages.
• Lead the development of the West Midlands business-technology commercialisation agenda, including but not limited to a focus on AI.

Skills

Evidence-led policy

R&D policy

Stakeholder management

Economic policy

Job description

West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking an Innovation Policy Manager to shape evidence-led policy across innovation, R&D, technology commercialisation and skills, supporting inclusive growth and informing devolved funding decisions.

You will lead the West Midlands Innovation Board, coordinate multi‑partner policy programmes, translate complex data into robust options, and provide high‑quality briefings to government, business leaders and partners.