Are you an experienced Programme Manager looking for a new and unique Challenge? West Midlands Combined Authority may have the role for you!  
The West Midlands Investment Zone (WMIZ) is a bold initiative to transform our regional economy. By driving growth in advanced manufacturing – including electric vehicles, green industries, health-tech, and digital platforms – we aim to create 30,000 new jobs, attract £5.5bn in private investment, and secure the West Midlands as a key player in the UK’s economic future. 
We are looking for a Programme Manager to support the delivery of this ambitious programme, working alongside our Head of WM Investment Zone to ensure every milestone is met and the programme drives real impact for our region. 
What you will be doing. As Programme Manager, you’ll be involved in every aspect of the WMIZ programme, ensuring timely, efficient, and compliant delivery. You will: 

• Design and manage programme structures, timelines, and reporting systems.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners to keep the programme on track.
• Proactively identify risks and implement solutions to maintain momentum.
• Lead on budgets, governance, procurement, and performance monitoring.
• Deliver reports for key stakeholders and ensure all programme goals are met.
• Shape future investment strategies and manage programme communications.
• Deputise for the Head of WM Investment Zone and support the Programme Officer’s growth and development.

What’s essential.

• A strong track record in delivering high-profile programmes, including establishing and managing programme functions.
• Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in managing project budgets, forecasting costs, and ensuring financial compliance.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Verto).
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build partnerships and resolve conflicts.
• A proactive approach to risk management, identifying potential issues and implementing solutions.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leaders.
• The ability to synthesise complex information and communicate it effectively to diverse audiences. 
• A proactive, solution-focused approach to overcoming challenges.
• Qualification in a Project Management Methodology (such as APM or Prince 2)

How to apply. On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out. 
You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should evidence (using examples) how your skills and experience match the essential criteria of the role that you are applying for. You will be asked to type your statement into the portal directly. If you have already prepared a supporting statement, then you can simply copy and paste this directly into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) We cannot stop anyone from using AI 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.
Put the effort into your application - focus on ensuring it matches the criteria required for the job, and is tailored carefully to match your skills, experience, and motivation.
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 (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, 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. 
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We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (in addition to bank holidays and an option to purchase more leave!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology through your payroll, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location. We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows. 
The location for this role is Summer Lane, Birmingham. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation. 
Creating an inclusive workplace.We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
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 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. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UKWMCA has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to work in the UK. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to WMCA verifying that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant criteria set out by UKVI.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.

Attached documents
Programme Manager - WMIZ .pdf