Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders

Main Responsibility

As Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders, you will define and deliver a high-impact engagement strategy that positions the West of England as a nationally significant region. Working closely with the Mayor, Chief Executive and senior leaders to build alliances that unlock investment, influence national policy and drive regional transformation, you’ll ensure our approach is inclusive, insight-led, and outcome-focused. 

You’ll be central to the organisation’s focus on building and sustaining high-impact relationships across government, business, academia, and civic society. Leading the negotiation and management of strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding, monitoring partnership performance, and developing a high-performing Strategic Partnerships team.  

Representing the region at the highest levels, you will foster cross-authority collaboration, leading a skilled team to deliver inclusive engagement whilst acting as the strategic connector between the Combined Authority and its most critical stakeholders, from national departments and local authorities to anchor institutions, business networks, and community leaders. 

The Ideal Candidate

You lead with purpose and clarity, and have the ability to engage and convene partners around regional vision. A political navigator and a growth enabler who has senior-level experience in stakeholder engagement and public affairs, you bring credibility and confidence to complex, politically-led environments. You have a proven track record of influencing policy and investment outcomes through collaboration and negotiation. You’re a skilled communicator, a trusted advisor, and a resilient leader who thrives on building alliances that deliver impact.

For more information and how to apply

To apply, and to find out how the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders will support our priorities for the region, as well as to hear from Stephen Peacock and our Mayor, Helen Godwin, please visit our microsite

If you’d like an informal conversation please contact one of our retained consultants:
 
Andrew Timlin
andrew.timlin@hays.com
07887 777 735

Simon Winspear
simon.winspear@hays.com
07525 466 357

The closing date for this role is Sunday 30 November.  You can find further information about the recruitment and selection process and timeline on the microsite.

About the Company

Our Offer

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: 

• 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, with an option to increase your annual leave with our purchase scheme.  
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer 
• Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3% 
• Flexible, family friendly policies and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. 
• 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 in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. 

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 Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs. 

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.