Head of People Business Partnering and Strategic Planning

At the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), we’re on a bold mission: to make our region the best place to live, work, and visit. Since our launch in 2016, we’ve been working hand-in-hand with local councils and partners to deliver transformative change across transport, housing, net zero, skills, and economic growth. Our newly formed People & Culture Services directorate, led by Sarah Lal, Chief People & Culture Officer (CPCO), is at the heart of this transformation. We’ve set a fresh purpose, crafted a forward-thinking strategy, and are now rolling out a new Target Operating Model - designed to elevate employee experience, boost productivity, and align with WMCA’s ambitious goals. The team are now at the implementation stage of the new model, and this has led to clearer strategic priorities aligned to the WMCA, an increase in capability and specialism and a greater focus on employee experience and productivity. We’re now looking for a dynamic and visionary Head of People Business Partnering and Strategic Planning to deputise for the Chief People & Culture Officer and lead the integration of our people strategy into every aspect of organisational performance. As the most senior People Business Partner at WMCA, you’ll play a pivotal role in enabling confident, inclusive, and future-focused leadership across all directorates.