Chief Executive , West Midlands Combined Authority , Competitive Salary

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is a nationally significant organisation at the forefront of regional transformation. As Chief Executive, you will be the strategic leader driving delivery of the Mayor’s priorities and shaping the future of one of the UK’s most dynamic regions.

Working in close partnership with the elected Mayor, you will bring to life four bold priorities that reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities:

• Jobs for Everyone – creating inclusive employment opportunities across the region 
• Growth for Everyone – ensuring economic prosperity is shared 
• Journeys for Everyone – delivering reliable, affordable and connected transport 
• Homes for Everyone – enabling sustainable and accessible housing development

You will lead the implementation of the “West Midlands Growth Plan”, a transformative strategy to create 100,000 skilled jobs, build 120,000 new homes, grow the economy by £17 billion, and increase disposable income for working West Midlanders by £8,600 over the next decade.

This is a role that demands bold leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to public value. You will work hand-in-hand with local authorities, businesses, universities, and communities to shape long-term investment, drive innovation, and champion inclusive growth.

As Chief Executive, you will be responsible for delivering high-impact programmes across transport, housing, net zero, skills, and economic development. You will oversee the expansion of the Metro network to key areas such as Birmingham Eastside and Merry Hill and lead the transition to public control of the bus network. This will restore reliability and affordability for the first time since the 1980s.

You will also guide the development of WMCA’s new corporate strategy, harnessing the opportunities presented by the Devolution Bill to elevate our status as a national exemplar of devolved governance. This will require a clear focus on transformation, transparency, and accountability.

Internally, you will lead a high-performing Executive Board, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and ensure our people are empowered to deliver for citizens. You will embody our organisational values: collaborative, driven, inclusive, and innovative. Your leadership will help build a future-ready organisation that reflects the diversity and ambition of the West Midlands.

You are a visionary leader with a passion for public service and a proven ability to turn strategy into delivery. You thrive in complex environments and bring clarity, energy, and purpose to everything you do. With a deep understanding of the political landscape and the challenges facing regional governance, you are adept at building trust across diverse stakeholders and driving meaningful change.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A substantial track record of executive leadership in large, multi-functional organisations 
• A clear focus on delivery, with evidence of turning strategic ambition into real-world outcomes
• Political awareness and the ability to build effective relationships across party lines and with elected members 

We are committed to developing an organisation that is representative of the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are particularly keen to hear from:

• Young people 
• Black, Asian and ethnic minority groups 
• Women at senior levels 

We will make reasonable adjustments, in line with the Equality Act, for disabled applicants. Wherever possible, we offer flexible working options to support work-life balance and service delivery.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:

Marek Dobrowolski. Partner 

📞 +44 121 654 5912 | 📱 +44 779 352 9576 

📧 Marek.Dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk 

Corinne Attwood, Senior Researcher 

📱 +44 121 654 5954 

📧 Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk