Location: South Yorkshire

Remuneration: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Introduction

At the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) our job is to help people live happier, healthier, wealthier and safer lives.

Under leadership of Mayor Oliver Coppard, we unite the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield to unlock the potential of our communities, businesses, and places.

Home to almost 1.4 million people, South Yorkshire is a region of vibrant diversity where rich cultural heritage meets modern innovation. From the bustling streets of Sheffield, known for its thriving arts scene and historic steel industry, to the picturesque landscapes of the Peak District, South Yorkshire offers a unique blend of urban and rural experiences.

We are home to the world’s first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and home to the UK’s first Investment Zone. Boeing, Rolls-Royce and McLaren, have all chosen to invest here with opportunities ahead for clean, green industries to locate here.

In the last year we have integrated the functions of the South Yorkshire Office for Police and Crime Commissioner into the Combined Authority and brought our Suptertram system back under public control for the first time since the 90s. We are undertaking consultation on a proposal to move to a franchised bus model and we have exciting plans for investment into our region, cities, and towns through our Plan for Good Growth and our local area Place Investment Plans.

This is an exciting time for South Yorkshire, but we are also faced with huge challenges. Poor health outcomes, educational under-attainment, skills shortages and poor transport connectivity all weigh on our economic prosperity and social wellbeing.

We must address these challenges to create a South Yorkshire where everybody has the opportunity to stay near and go far.

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary CEO to join SYMCA and work closely with the Mayor to transform South Yorkshire communities, leveraging the opportunities presented by devolution. As the CEO, you will engage with our communities, strengthen relationships with government, and provide inspiring leadership to fulfil our mission of creating a vibrant, prosperous region. You will prioritise good growth, addressing challenges from health inequality to transport and skills, and the reform of public services, while building partnerships and relationships across sectors, institutions and communities.

In this pivotal role, you will develop and articulate a clear strategic vision for South Yorkshire, ensuring alignment with regional goals and community needs. You will inspire and motivate a diverse team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Providing comprehensive policy advice to the Authority, particularly on plans and strategies, will be a key aspect of your responsibilities. Strengthening relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and partners will be essential to ensure their voices shape policies and initiatives. You will promote inclusive practices that empower all communities and enhance participation and engagement.

Devolution offers us the chance to do policy and politics differently and you will help is embrace that opportunity. Driving the devolution agenda, you will proactively negotiate and advocate for tailored opportunities that enhance regional autonomy and community empowerment. Working closely with the Mayor and MCA Board, you will proactively work to shape policy frameworks and negotiations with government to ensure South Yorkshire’s unique needs and aspirations are at the forefront of Government thinking.

About the Person

A visionary leader with a proven track record in strategic leadership and community engagement, you will bring experience in public service reform and building partnerships across sectors, coupled with a proven ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams, which will be crucial in driving the success of SYMCA. Your strong advocacy and representation skills will position South Yorkshire as a leading, first rank Mayoral Combined Authority.

To be successful in this role, you will have extensive experience in a senior leadership position within a public body or similar organisation. A strong understanding of devolution and regional governance, along with the ability to manage complex operations and drive organisational performance, is essential. Excellent communication, relationship building, and stakeholder management skills are also required.

You will understand the local government, Whitehall, and Westminster operating environments to help us build productive relationships across key sectors.

Joining SYMCA offers you the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of South Yorkshire. You will work alongside passionate and dedicated professionals, including Mayor Oliver Coppard, to create a region that thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

For any queries, or for an informal discussion on the role, please contact:

Marek Dobrowolski

Marek.dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk

07793 529 576

Corinne Attwood

Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk

0121 654 5954