Lead Innovation Policy & Regional Growth

Wollborg Michelson Personnel Service Inc; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Healthcare plans

28 days annual leave + buy/sell option

EV car benefit scheme

Discounted gym membership

Costco membership

Eye Care Scheme

Job summary

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking an Innovation Policy Manager to lead evidence-led policy development covering innovation, R&D, technology commercialisation and skills.

You will shape devolved funding strategies, work with government and senior leaders across public and private sectors, and coordinate the West Midlands Innovation Board to deliver measurable outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of leading evidence-led innovation, R&D or regional economic policy and strategy.
• Proven ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative research to develop policy options and robust advice for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading multi-partner policy or programme work including governance, delivery oversight and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of plans relating to near-to-market innovation funding aligned to Plan for Growth outcomes.
• Lead research and policy development to support devolved innovation funding as part of Rewiring The State.
• Provide research, intelligence and insight to inform regional economic strategies and 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.
• Coordinate, commission, oversee delivery and evaluate the work programme of the West Midlands Innovation Board with a focus on innovation-skills linkages.
• Develop the West Midlands business-technology commercialisation agenda, including AI.

Skills

Evidence-led policy

Policy development

R&D policy

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Policy shaping

Job description

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking an Innovation Policy Manager to lead evidence-led policy development covering innovation, R&D, technology commercialisation and skills.

You will shape devolved funding strategies, work with government and senior leaders across public and private sectors, and coordinate the West Midlands Innovation Board to deliver measurable outcomes.