Jobs

Are you a strategic thinker with the ability to turn insight into action? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment supporting senior leadership? We are looking for an exceptional Policy and Executive Office Lead to work at the heart of the organisation, providing direct support to the Chief Executive and helping shape the future of Sandwell.

About the Role

This is a unique and influential role combining strategic policy leadership, executive support, and operational delivery. You will act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive – providing high-quality analysis, insight, and coordination to ensure effective decision-making and delivery across key priorities.  You’ll oversee critical projects, and ensure the Executive Office operates seamlessly to support the organisation’s most senior leaders. Working across directorates and with regional partners, you’ll play a central role in translating strategic ambition into real-world outcomes for the borough.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level policy advice, briefing and research to the Chief Executive on complex and sensitive issues
• Interpret national, regional and local developments, ensuring timely and informed decision-making
• Oversee and manage the Executive Office function, including Executive and Personal Assistants, ensuring effective support to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team
• Drive alignment between corporate strategy, policy development, and operational delivery
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings and recommendations, often under tight deadlines
• Support the Chief Executive’s engagement and influence at local, regional and national levels

We’re looking for a confident, credible and politically astute professional who can operate effectively at a senior level. This is a full-time (37 hours per week across 5 days), high-energy role where professionalism, drive, discretion, and agility are essential.

You will bring:

• A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
• Significant experience working in a complex, fast-paced environment, ideally within local government or the public sector 
• A strong track record of providing strategic policy advice to senior leaders
• Experience managing people and coordinating workloads across teams 
• Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues for diverse audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver at pace

You will also be:

• Highly organised and proactive
• Politically aware and able to handle sensitive information with discretion
• A collaborative leader who can challenge constructively and inspire others
• Flexible and resilient, with the ability to respond to changing demands

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at the centre of leadership, influencing decisions that shape services and outcomes for communities across Sandwell.

If you want to play a key role in shaping that future – this is your moment.

For an informal chat about the role please contact clair_norton@sandwell.gov.uk

Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Salary: Band I SCP 44-47 (£55,609 - £59,027 per annum)

Location: Sandwell, West Midlands, West Midlands

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Policy

Job Role: Officer