Innovation Policy Lead for Regional Growth

West Midlands Combined Authority; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

EV car benefit

Healthcare plans

Gym discounts

Costco membership

Volunteer leave

Eye care scheme

Job summary

West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking an Innovation Policy Manager to shape evidence-led policies spanning innovation, R&D, technology commercialisation and skills. You will work with government partners and the WMCA board to drive devolved funding and delivery.

You will lead research, policy development and senior stakeholder engagement, translating ambitions into priorities, programmes and measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience leading evidence-led innovation, R&D or regional economic policy and strategy.
• Proven ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data to advise decisions for internal/external stakeholders.
• Experience leading multi-partner policy or programme work with governance, delivery, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of near-to-market innovation funding plans aligned to growth outcomes.
• Direct research and policy development to justify devolved funding within Rewiring The State.
• Provide intelligence and insights to inform regional strategies and mayoral priorities.
• Deliver high-quality briefs and reports to internal and external stakeholders, including central government.
• Manage West Midlands Innovation Board strategy, operations and stakeholder relations.
• Coordinate, commission and evaluate the work programme with a focus on skills linkages.
• Develop the West Midlands business-technology commercialisation agenda, including AI.

Skills

Policy leadership

Stakeholder management

Research & analysis

Public-private partnerships

Negotiation skills

Economic policy

Job description

West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking an Innovation Policy Manager to shape evidence-led policies spanning innovation, R&D, technology commercialisation and skills. You will work with government partners and the WMCA board to drive devolved funding and delivery.

You will lead research, policy development and senior stakeholder engagement, translating ambitions into priorities, programmes and measurable outcomes.