Strategic Policy Manager

Strategic Policy Manager

£56,481 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 10

Leeds / Hybrid

Full time / Fixed term up to 12 months

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.

We are seeking an experienced Strategic Policy Manager to lead our Strategy Team. The team is at the cutting edge of West Yorkshire’s approach to implementing the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, shaping how we collaborate with Government and embed emerging policy across the region.

As Strategic Policy Manager, you will drive forward the development of evidence-based policy and strategic thinking to support key priorities for West Yorkshire. Success will rely on strong collaboration - working closely with colleagues across the organisation, Government partners, stakeholders, and wider regional partners. You will also work directly with Senior Leaders within the organisation to make a real impact on this important work.

This presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the Combined Authority’s vision: making West Yorkshire a brighter, fairer place where everyone can thrive.

Our Offer

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of Strategy and Corporate Performance, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, owning, and developing strategic and cross cutting policy and strategy proposals including delivery of regional cross-cutting themes such as EDI and Inclusive Growth.
• Leading, thinking, and identifying opportunities to be at the forefront of changes to regional and national strategy, including the devolution agenda and exploring innovation through public service reform.
• Working closely with internal colleagues, Local Authority partners and other relevant stakeholders to influence and shape their activities and gain their input to support the delivery of Combined Authority ambitions.
• Briefing the Mayor and other senior leaders on strategic issues.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:

• Experience of leading policy development in a fast-moving partnership context.
• A highly collaborative approach, able to work positively with a number of partners and stakeholders to reach shared outcomes.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.

Please note that whilst it is our policy to recruit at SP1 for all appointments, which is the salary stated above, each role includes career salary progression, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis.