Policy Manager

Policy Manager £56,481 per annum (pay award pending) - Grade 10 Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week Closing date – 14 December at 23:55 Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We are seeking a Policy Manager to join our Spatial Planning and Strategic Sites team. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping planning policy and driving forward strategic development across West Yorkshire. As part of the Combined Authority’s planning team, as Policy Manager you will lead on key place-based initiatives, including the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and Infrastructure Strategy (IS) for the region. Collaborating closely with local authorities, you will guide the team responsible for unlocking development opportunities, enhancing the environment, and realising the region’s growth potential. Your leadership as Policy Manager will help secure inclusive, sustainable growth that benefits communities and people across West Yorkshire. 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 Lead Policy Manager, your key responsibilities will include: · Manage and drive the team responsible for the planning, delivery and strategic development of the West Yorkshire Infrastructure Strategy (IS) and Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), and other strategic planning policy / strategy as required. · You will be one of a number of senior people with a focus on the shaping of our approach to housing, strategic sites and strategic networks aligned to the emerging SDS and IS (your specific responsibilities will be subject to changing political priorities). · To convene and work closely in partnership with a range of external stakeholders (locally, regionally and nationally) to support conditions for housing and jobs growth in the region aligned to the emerging Spatial Development Strategy and Local Plans. Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities. About You You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience: · Substantial practical experience of successfully developing place based policy and strategy and securing formal support or adoption. · Previous experience of leading a team in delivering against objectives in a challenging context. · Experienced in forming and developing effective senior level working relationships with Members, Government and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes for the organisation. · Finding innovative solutions to complex economic, place and/or transportation challenges. · Application of analytical skills, with strong data analysis, interpretation and fluency in communicating the insights derived. To Apply If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form 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