Senior Policy Manager

14 Regional Mayors. 14 Chief Executives. One team shaping the future of devolution in England.

The UK Mayors Network is supported by a small but high-impact secretariat that helps senior executives deliver for millions of people across the country. Mayors already represent over 50% of England's population - and with further devolution ahead, the influence and importance of the Network will continue to grow.

This is an opportunity to join a team working at the centre of major national change. We are building a smarter, more connected and ambitious system - and this role will help shape the next chapter for the Network, the Secretariat, and the wider devolution ecosystem over the next 3-5 years.

If you want to work closely with senior leaders, operate at pace, and contribute to the architecture of English devolution, we'd love to hear from you.

A snapshot of the role

Picture leading a cross-MCA policy group tasked with shaping a shared approach to economic recovery. You're convening Mayors, Chief Executives and central government. The challenge: build a consensus position across diverse political, regional and operational realities. You turn complex discussions into coherent strategies, anticipate future policy shifts, strengthen collaboration across the system, and ensure the Secretariat is ready to support new Mayors and emerging MCAs.

In this role, you will:

• Lead high-profile cross-MCA policy work - shaping shared positions that represent all 14 authorities.
• Advise the Head of Network on policy, cross-MCA issues and strategic opportunities, bringing insight on emerging trends, risks and areas where joint action is needed.
• Deputise for the Head of Network when required - including chairing meetings, representing the Secretariat and ensuring operational continuity.
• Develop system-wide frameworks, peer-support models, and collaborative offers that strengthen the MCA ecosystem.
• Coordinate collective responses to national policy, ensuring Mayors have a strong, coherent voice in Westminster.
• Support the onboarding of new Mayors and Combined Authorities, ensuring they can quickly engage with the Network.
• Lead horizon scanning, forward planning, and the identification of emerging policy or practice from the UK and globally.
• Represent the Network externally with government partners, think tanks, and other national stakeholders.

You'll thrive here if you:

• Are politically astute, confident, and comfortable navigating senior-level environments.
• Have strong judgement and can synthesise varied viewpoints into coherent, strategic positions.
• Enjoy system-building, innovation, and designing structures that help organisations collaborate effectively.
• Want to shape the next chapter of English devolution at a national level.

This is a unique opportunity to help steer the future of the devolution landscape - strengthening the Network's influence, coherence and long-term strategic impact.

Interviews are planned for w/c 26th January 2026 - please note this may be subject to change.

Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 1 day ofpaid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We followa hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based ina new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

The salary for this role is £56,963 - £62,682. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro rated for part time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year on year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Good Employment Charter
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we're committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at . We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don't wait to apply.If you have started your application, we'll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency? We're not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.

• Contract Type Fixed Term/Full Time - 37 hours per week