Inclusive Economy Manager (Careers)
£50,938 per annum - Grade 9
Leeds / Hybrid
Closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026 at 11:55pm
Fixed term for 12 months
Full time - 37 hours per week
We currently have a vacancy for an Inclusive Economy Manager to join our Employment and Skills team.
The Employment and Skills team provides leadership across the breadth of this fast growing agenda in order to deliver the Mayor of West Yorkshire's pledge to make West Yorkshire a region of learning and creativity. The team's role includes oversight and leadership of strategic commissioning, convening of partners and system leadership and will only grow under single integrated settlement and greater devolution.
This post leads a committed team of around 10 people and is responsible for the development and delivery of activity contributing to delivering the region's ambitions for education and all-age careers, including the West Yorkshire Careers Hub, co-funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company. The successful applicant will take on this role at a pivotal time, as the region's first Integrated Settlement with government heralds greater flexibility to tailor investment to regional need, and the Combined Authority prepares re-shape how it works with schools following over 10 years of delivering the Careers Hub.
It is important that you demonstrate how your breadth of experience, knowledge and skills align with the role when applying. We have therefore created comprehensive guidance for candidates, and you are strongly urged to read this before completing your application form. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage to find this guidance and further support in completing your application form.
Visit our 'Life at West Yorkshire Combined Authority' webpage to find out what our staff have to say about working here.
Our Offer
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:
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.
Take a look at our Employee Benefits webpage to find out more.
The Role
Reporting into the Inclusive Economy Lead your key responsibilities will include:
To lead intervention development, strategic commissioning, partnership working and engagement within your area, ensuring alignment with the Local Growth Plan, Mayoral Pledges, and other policies
To convene and work closely in partnership with a range of external stakeholders to achieve demonstrable improvements against strategic objectives, developing strategically important relationships
Through leadership of the agenda and the team, take responsibility for the implementation and continuous improvement of the Combined Authority's work on the all-age careers agenda
Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
Substantial experience of and a high level of understanding of relevant local and national policy relating to careers and education.
Knowledge and understanding of the political structures and influences within the region, including local and central government.
Ability to lead teams based in multiple/partner locations through change, particularly in response to funding and policy evolution.
Ability to develop projects and programmes and experience of overseeing commissioned and contracted activity.
Be able to build collaboration between key partners with the ability to develop strong and influential working relationships with external stakeholders to ensure achievement of our objectives and influence partners.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form 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 under the 'About You' section of the advert and criteria 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.
If you would like to discuss this role in more detail, please contact Michelle Burton via