Senior Research Officer

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is looking for an experienced and ambitious Senior Research Officer to join our Research, Intelligence and Inclusive Growth team within the WMCA's Strategy Unit.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of regional policymaking, helping to connect research, evidence and insight with some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the West Midlands.

You'll lead the development of the region's research ecosystem, building partnerships with universities, government departments, local authorities, funders and national research organisations. You will help identify and mobilise research around regional priorities, strengthen the use of evidence in decision-making, and support innovative approaches to tackling complex economic and social challenges.

What you will be doing.

Reporting to the Head of Research, Intelligence and Inclusive Growth, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the West Midlands Areas of Research Interest (ARI) programme.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, research organisations and policy networks.
• Coordinate research and insight activities that support evidence-informed policymaking.
• Lead knowledge exchange activities that translate research into practical action and impact.
• Develop collaboration agreements and support research funding opportunities that align with regional priorities.
• Strengthen research capability across WMCA through communities of practice, training and professional support.
• Oversee research governance, ethics and quality assurance processes.
• Support production of strategic intelligence, evidence reviews and commissioned research.
• Represent WMCA within regional and national research networks and partnerships.

What's essential.

We're looking for someone who can operate confidently across research, policy and partnership environments.

• Experience of working with universities, research institutes or research funders.
• Experience building strategic partnerships and collaborative programmes.
• Strong understanding of research methods and evidence generation.
• Ability to translate policy challenges into researchable questions and practical evidence needs
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and building relationships across complex organisations.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for communities through evidence-informed decision-making

Location.

The location for this role is Summer Lane, Birmingham with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

Please note, we reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email removed]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, 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. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation. Together we build trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and residents to create the biggest impact for our region.