Strategic Lead - Place Based Budgets

We are looking for an exceptional Strategic Lead to spearhead one of the most ambitious health and public service innovation programmes in the region.

Working with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), you will lead the development and delivery of an innovative Place Based Budgets pilot focused on supporting adolescents with mental health needs who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) across the Black Country.

This is an opportunity to bring together partners across local government, the NHS, DWP and the voluntary sector to redesign services around young people, break down organisational barriers, and test new ways of aligning resources to improve outcomes. The learning from this pilot has the potential to influence public services not only across the West Midlands, but nationally.

As Strategic Lead, you will be at the forefront of developing integrated approaches that connect mental health support, employment services, skills provision and local authority services around a shared goal: helping young people thrive.

You will lead strategic partnerships, influence senior stakeholders, oversee programme mobilisation and delivery, and help create a scalable model for prevention focused public services. The role is a 12 month fixed term contract.

What you'll be doing

• Translate national Place Based Budgets policy into a practical and deliverable regional programme.
• Lead system wide collaboration across local authorities, NHS organisations, DWP, VCFSE partners and central government.
• Design integrated service models focused on prevention, early intervention and improved outcomes for young people.
• Identify opportunities to align and, where possible, pool budgets across services.
• Drive programme mobilisation, implementation and governance arrangements.
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships and navigate competing priorities.
• Oversee system mapping, service redesign and pathway development.
• Be responsible for delivery, performance, risks and financial oversight.
• Liaise with regional and national partners on delivery, learning and design.
• Capture learning and help position WMCA as a national leader in health and public service innovation.

What's essential

• Experience leading large scale programmes involving multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Strong knowledge of public health, mental health and wellbeing, mental health services, public service reform, system change and integrated delivery approaches.
• Experience working with senior leaders across local government, the NHS, combined authorities or central government.
• Excellent programme mobilisation, governance and delivery planning skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship building abilities.
• The confidence to operate in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills.
• An understanding of public sector governance, funding arrangements and accountability frameworks.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience in public policy, public health, programme management or a related field.

Location

Summer Lane, with a minimum of two days a week spent in the office.

Salary and benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Shared cost additional voluntary contribution scheme.
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• Three days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big name retailers and access to a Costco membership through WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top rated UK attractions and a range of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant visa from the UK Visas and Immigration.