Portfolio Partnership Officer
Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
Department: Mayor's Office
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Sheffield Head Office
Reporting To: Head of Mayors Office
Compensation: £42,840 - £46,142 / year
Description
* Hours: 37 hours
* Contract: Permanent Full Time
* Salary: Grade 9 £42,840 - £46,142
* Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
As part of a high performing Mayor’s Office you will build strategic partnerships, shape policy insight, and support the delivery of the Mayor’s priorities across South Yorkshire.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is seeking an experienced, politically aware and collaborative Portfolio Officer to support the Mayor’s agenda through strong partnerships, strategic advice and effective communication. This is a key role within the Mayor’s Office, responsible for managing relationships across sectors, providing strategic positioning advice, and ensuring that the Mayor’s priorities are effectively communicated and advanced.
As a Portfolio Officer, you will work closely with the Head of Mayor’s Office and colleagues across the organisation to deliver high-quality briefings, support engagement with partners, and strengthen the alignment between policy objectives and external relationships. You will act as a trusted advisor, helping to shape messaging, coordinate engagement and ensure stakeholders across the region are connected to the Mayor’s strategic goals.
This is a highly dynamic role where no two days are the same—ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced political environment, enjoys relationship-building and takes pride in influencing positive outcomes for the region.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
The hiring team are planning to work to the following dates:
* Shortlisting - Week commencing 13 April
* Interviews - Week commencing 20 April onward
About the role
You will manage a portfolio of relationships and priority areas on behalf of the Mayor, supporting strategic decision-making through research, insight, and high-quality briefing materials.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing strategic positioning advice on issues within your portfolio, ensuring all guidance supports clear and informed decision-making aligned with the Mayor’s priorities.
* Conducting research and monitoring political, economic and social developments to generate insights and recommendations.
* Supporting partnership development by identifying opportunities for collaboration and negotiating agreements aligned with the Mayor’s strategic objectives.
* Providing advice on effective engagement practices and promoting consistency in how the organisation interacts with the Mayor and external partners.
* Organising stakeholder meetings, roundtables and events to facilitate constructive engagement.
* Coordinating logistics for Mayoral events—from planning to follow-up actions—to ensure professional and impactful delivery.
About you
We are looking for a collaborative, well‑organised and politically astute professional who is confident managing relationships, shaping strategic narrative and supporting delivery across complex portfolios. You will be a strong communicator with excellent judgement and the ability to build trust quickly.
You will bring:
* Experience in partnership development or stakeholder management, ideally in public sector, government, non‑profit or similarly high‑profile environments.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise and engaging messages.
* Experience coordinating or supporting projects and complex initiatives.
* Strong understanding of political environments and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
* Experience preparing high-quality briefings, reports and strategic documents.
* Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.
* Ability to work proactively, problem-solve and collaborate across teams.
For further detail on the requirements for this role, please see the criteria listed within the attached role profile.
Benefits
All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well‑placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
In addition to the above, some of benefits include -
Continuous Employment– If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting. This will apply to entitlement calculations including annual leave, maternity leave and enhanced sick pay.
Enhanced Holiday Entitlement– From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
Professional Membership Fees– Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
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