Strategic Head of Skills and Employment

Join us in this senior, system wide leadership role at the heart of EMCCA ' s mission to transform the life chances, prosperity, and productivity of people across the East Midlands.

Welcome to EMCCA

The East Midlands has huge potential. As the UK's first mayor-led combined county authority, EMCCA will unlock it - bringing devolved powers over transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic growth and net zero. We're here to make the region better connected, better funded and better prepared for a future of opportunity. By shaping strategies and building partnerships, we will maximise the impact of billions of pounds of investment; putting the East Midlands firmly on the map as a place to live, work and thrive.

Your role in elevating the East Midlands

As a key deputy to the Director of Skills & Employment, you will reshape how the region invests in, funds and delivers skills and employment support.

Leading major programmes, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring that evidence, insight, and innovation drive every intervention; you will ensure interventions are targeted where it delivers the greatest economic and social impact. Your remit will include leading major place-based programmes, strategic oversight of the careers, youth employment and emerging NEET agenda, and acting as a senior interface with local partners, employers, health bodies, and central government to deliver real change for our people, places and economy.

Your profile:

• A degree or equivalent level of experience, with demonstrable post qualification CPD to maintain professional development
• Significant senior leadership experience in skills, employment, economic development, or related policy areas.
• Proven experience of leading large-scale, complex programmes and funding portfolios in a public or partnership setting.
• Demonstrable experience of commissioning, funding prioritisation, and performance management.
• Strong record of accomplishment of leading and influencing complex partnerships across sectors.
• Experience of engaging with and influencing central government or national agencies.
• Experience of working in politically sensitive environments with elected members or senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of labour markets, skills systems, and employment policy, including youth employment and NEET prevention.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate policy into deliverable programmes.
• Highly developed communication and influencing skills.

For more details on EMCCA including our rewards and benefits, please visit:

Closing date: 29 th March 2026

NB - this is a politically restricted post as designated under the LGHA and any subsequent amendment and you may not have any active political role either in or outside of work.

Office location - all roles are based at NGEC, Saltergate, Chesterfield, S40 1UT unless stated otherwise.