Inclusive Economy Manager (Advanced Manufacturing)
£49,359 (pay award pending) - Grade 9
Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent
Closing date – 8 March at 23:55
Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share. We are currently recruiting for an Inclusive Economy Manager (Advanced Manufacturing) to join our Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering sector team, part of the wider Inclusive Economy, Skills and Culture directorate.
As one of two Inclusive Economy Managers in the team, you will play a central role in driving ecosystem and cluster development across key regional subsectors, including food and drink, space, defence and security, chemicals, and advanced materials. You will design and deliver innovative interventions that accelerate growth, strengthen supply chains, and unlock new opportunities for West Yorkshire’s manufacturing base.
This is a visible leadership role where you will champion the sector, foster strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders, and support ambitious businesses to expand and thrive in West Yorkshire. As Inclusive Economy Manager, you will work on high-profile stakeholder engagement, lead results-driven projects, and respond to investment enquiries; whilst having the opportunity to translate national priorities - such as the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and the Defence Industrial Strategy - into meaningful, on-the-ground benefits for manufacturers across the region. 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 Policy & Partnerships Lead (Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering), your key responsibilities will include:
· Leading the development of evidence led policy and activity in the region to achieve the outcomes in the Advancing Manufacturing & Engineering Cluster Action Plan, ensuring policy development aligns with the Local Growth Plan, Mayoral Pledges and other key policies and priorities.
· Leading on the development of strategic and operational partnerships, building a collaborative environment, mutual trust and respect between key partners, bringing together local, regional and national stakeholders.
· Developing evidence led business cases and overseeing an implementation plan based on the specific projects, resources, timescales and project controls.
· Managing a flexible and agile team, responding to emerging priorities and pivoting priorities and activities as needed.
Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education, and experience:
· Expert knowledge of the Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering sector nationally, with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities relating to sector in West Yorkshire.
· Demonstrable experience of building partnerships with a diverse range of organisations, with the ability to develop strong and influential working relationships with external stakeholders to ensure achievement of our objectives.
· Demonstrable experience of leading programme development and/or project implementation with multiple stakeholders and experience of developing robust business cases for complex projects.
· Experience of developing and implementing policy and/or programmes in a challenging and dynamic environment.
· Experience of managing a team and the ability to lead agendas to ensure outcomes are realised.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website 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