Strategic Advisor

West Midlands Combined Authority; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking a Strategic Advisor for the HS2 Growth Programme and wider strategic projects. You will drive strategic partnerships, manage stakeholder relationships, and guide delivery for major infrastructure initiatives within the region.

The role requires deep understanding of HS2 and large infrastructure projects, strong political acumen, and excellent communication. You will oversee project lifecycles and support planning, timelines, and resources across

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic project/programme management across multiple stakeholder organisations.
• Experience in senior political positions with public & private sector engagement.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyse data to inform decisions.
• Understanding of HS2 and major infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead on strategic collaboration and advise stakeholders to assess HS2 and related projects in the region.
• Facilitate strategic programme decision-making.
• Resolve key strategic projects and activities impacting benefits.
• Represent WMCA at monthly stakeholder briefings.
• Present proposals to senior management, elected members and the public.
• Serve as primary contact for key HS2 stakeholders.
• Identify, analyse and solve delivery barriers.

Skills

Strategic partnerships

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Political acumen

Infrastructure programs

Data analysis

Communication

Job description

If you are looking for a unique opportunity, dealing with Britain's largest infrastructure project, this may be the role for you.

Our HS2 and Strategic Partnerships team is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic individual to join the team as a Strategic Advisor for the HS2 Growth Programme and wider strategic project & programmes. In this role, you will be responsible for driving strategic partnerships, fostering client relationships, and providing expert advice and guidance to optimise project delivery outcomes across the region. Your role will involve overseeing the entire lifecycle of strategic projects within the programme, from initiation to completion and you will be responsible for communicating project scopes, objectives, deliverables and collaborating with stakeholders to support the development of detailed project plans, timelines, and resource requirements.

This role requires an in-depth understanding of HS2 and other large infrastructure projects and programmes and the impacts they will bring to the region, strong political acumen, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to think strategically and foster long-term strategic relationships, whilst being able to provide strategic project/programme management support.

What you will be doing

• Lead on strategic collaboration and advise key stakeholders to assess HS2 and wider large infrastructure project and programme within the region.
• Lead in the facilitation of strategic programme decision-making.
• Lead on the resolution of key strategic projects/activities which if not delivered will impacts on the benefits delivered by HS2 and wider infrastructure projects and programmes
• Represent the WMCA at monthly stakeholder briefings, providing advice and direction to peers at local authorities.
• Lead in presenting proposals to senior management, elected members and the public through a variety of media.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key strategic HS2 stakeholders.
• Identify, analyse and solve problems and barriers to delivery.

What's essential

• Proven appreciation of HS2 and strategically important infrastructure projects and programmes and what they will deliver to this region
• Proven experience in strategic project/programme management across multiple stakeholder organisations.
• Proven experience of having worked in a senior political position with direct engagement with the public & private sectors.
• Proven experience in undertaking strategic project and programme negotiations.
• A proven track record of managing successful strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• In-depth knowledge of tools used to develop strategic projects and programmes at both regional and national levels.
• Proven ability and experience of innovation and exploring new ways of working.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions to help solve complex problems.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

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.

Our Values and Behaviours.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative- We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

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 are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

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).