Overview
The West Midlands stands at a pivotal point in its history, poised for transformative and sustained growth. Evidence of this momentum includes the Birmingham Crane Survey showing rapid progress, new developments doubling in the past year, record foreign direct investment, and housing starts at their highest level in a decade. Ambition and confidence are flourishing across the region. This progress results from strategic vision and collaboration, enabling four dynamic growth corridors designed to unlock opportunity and foster innovation. With a robust pipeline of projects such as the Birmingham Sports Quarter, Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor, and Coventry’s Cultural Gateway, the West Midlands aims for economic vitality, cultural enrichment, and environmental sustainability.
WMCA (West Midlands Combined Authority) seeks an exceptional leader for the role of Executive Director, Major Capital Programmes. The successful candidate will harness regional energy, build on strong foundations, and guide the region through its next ambitious chapter to ensure inclusive and lasting benefits for communities, businesses, and stakeholders.
At the heart of WMCA’s mission, the Executive Director leads a multifaceted programme, collaborating with a wide range of partners and unlocking funding to drive projects forward. Supported by the WMCA Board and thematic boards, the role is central to maintaining high standards of governance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
About The Role
This pivotal position demands strategic leadership and oversight of WMCA’s major capital portfolio. The successful candidate will manage capital programmes from early stage through completion, spanning transport, housing, regeneration, and infrastructure. Priorities will be set, projects sequenced, and benefits realised, with a focus on strengthening governance, assurance, and risk management so that all programmes meet safety, quality, value for money, and statutory standards.
Funding and Delivery
Securing and managing funding and investment is central to the role, requiring alignment of government settlements, external funding, and partnership finance. The Executive Director will build and lead a high-performing client and delivery function, working closely with WMCA, delivery bodies, local authorities, and supply chains. Commercial discipline is essential; responsibilities cover procurement, contracting, and supplier performance, maintaining outcomes in terms of cost, time, and quality.
Commitment to Sustainability and Leadership
Championing net zero and social value is integral, with ESG principles embedded in both design and delivery of programmes. The Executive Director will be a visible regional leader, representing WMCA with government, partners, and industry stakeholders. Specific responsibilities will be agreed as part of the job description.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants from a variety of sector backgrounds. The ideal candidate will offer a proven track record of leading complex capital programmes or portfolios at scale in transport, regeneration, housing, infrastructure, or related fields. Strong governance and assurance credentials are essential, together with the ability to balance pace and risk using sound judgement. Relevant experience in funding and commercial models—including business cases, investment, procurement, and commercial negotiation—is highly valued. The role requires credibility in convening partners across central and local government, delivery agencies, and the market, alongside confident stakeholder management and communication skills. Inclusive leadership is paramount, focusing on building capability, motivating multidisciplinary teams and supply chains, and fostering a culture of delivery and learning. A genuine commitment to public value, equity, and sustainability is expected.
WMCA is the driving force behind inclusive growth, regeneration, and innovation across the West Midlands’ seven metropolitan areas. By bringing together local councils and strategic partners, WMCA accelerates progress in transport, housing, skills, productivity, community support, and climate action, all underpinned by robust governance and transparent collaboration.
Location
The role is based at 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days per week in the office.
Reasonable adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team at careers@wmca.org.uk.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
* Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
* Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme to build an additional pot alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
* 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) plus statutory days.
* EV car benefit scheme.
* Healthcare plans.
* Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
* Option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
* 3 days paid leave each year to volunteer.
* Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy technology.
* Discounted shopping with over 2,000 retailers and more; Costco membership available through WMCA.
* Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top UK attractions and other benefits.
* Eye Care Scheme offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards glasses.
For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Our Values
Our behaviours sit at the heart of our values, shaping how we work together and setting clear expectations.
* Team Focused – working as part of a team, managing and leading
* Service Driven – customer, resident and partner focused
* Empowered and Accountable – taking ownership and leading when needed
* Performance Focused – being ambitious and going the extra mile
* One Organisation Mindset – believe in each others expertise
* Open and Honest Communication – we do what we say we are going to do
* Forward Thinking – embrace change and open to new possibilities
* Problem Solving – go for clear and simple whenever possible
Creating an inclusive workplace.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations (RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant Gold status) and is recognised as an Inclusive Top 50 Employer and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We are a Disability Confident Employer with “Leader” status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet essential criteria.
We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, not asking about criminal convictions at the initial application stage and only asking after an offer is made as part of onboarding checks to support fair opportunities for all.
We recognise that certain groups may feel they do not meet all requirements. We encourage applicants who are passionate about the role to apply and to highlight transferable skills, even if they do not fit the traditional “perfect candidate” mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job-share arrangements, so please don’t let these factors deter you from applying.
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK is required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) must hold a relevant Visa from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Attached documents
Executive Director of Major Capital Delivery – JD.pdf
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