Air Quality Lead

Are you ready to make a real impact on the lives of millions of people across the West Midlands?

We are looking for a passionate and driven Air Quality Lead who wants to shape regional change, lead innovation and help create cleaner air for everyone.

The WMCA has already built a strong foundation. Our Regional Air Quality Framework and three-year implementation plan were launched in 2023. Since then, we have installed a regional sensor network and run a major behaviour change campaign with schools and we are working on a regional air quality forecast and alert system and refreshed planning guidance for local authorities.

We are now ready to take our work further. In this role you will lead the delivery of the regional air quality programme and work directly with local authorities, health bodies such as the NHS and UKHSA, Defra, Transport for West Midlands, universities and many other partners committed to improving air quality across the region.

This is a role for someone who enjoys collaboration, takes ownership and wants to influence and deliver projects that create healthier, more sustainable communities.

What you will be doing.

• Leading delivery of the Regional Air Quality Framework and updating the Air Quality Implementation Plan.
• Producing clear and engaging reports for political boards including Overview and Scrutiny and the WMCA Board.
• Supporting conversations with Defra to secure the powers and resources needed for regional progress.
• Building strong working relationships with local authorities, universities, health partners and other external stakeholders.
• Bringing people together through workshops that encourage collaboration, learning and new ideas.
• Representing the WMCA at external meetings, conferences and regional events.
• Leading the Air Quality Implementation Group and setting its future work programme.
• Securing funding to expand and deliver regional air quality projects.
• Managing the regional sensor network and the WMCA relationship with EarthSense.
• Overseeing rollout and adoption of the regional air quality forecast and alert system.
• Leading communications and engagement activity to support the whole programme.
• Coordinating procurement and managing external suppliers and consultants.
• Supporting both the technical and behaviour change elements of the programme.
• Leading monitoring and evaluation to understand progress and impact.
• Providing specialist technical support to project delivery partners and funders.
• Managing accurate costing, governance and value for money across all activity.

What’s essential.

• Experience managing project data and reporting.
• Strong track record of engaging and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience delivering and interpreting environmental or technical projects.
• Confident user of MS Office, Excel, Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience with Power BI or similar data visualisation tools.
• Knowledge of air quality issues and the policy landscape at local, regional and national levels.
• Understanding of natural capital, ecosystem services and nature finance.
• Ability to design and deliver practical solutions with a wide range of partners.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of relevant policy agendas and why they matter.
• Commitment to helping create a fairer, greener and healthier West Midlands.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.

Location.

The location for this role is Summer Lane 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.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

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 protected]).

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.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).