Principal Health and Employability Policy Manager
£62,163 - £65,818 per year
Shape the future of health and employability across the North East
This is an exciting time to join the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and we're looking for a strategic, influential and motivated policy professional to join our Health and Employability Team as a Principal Health and Employability Policy Manager.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in developing innovative policies and strategies that help more people access employment, improve economic participation and support the North East Mayor's ambition to make our region the Home of Real Opportunity You will work at the heart of complex and high-profile programmes, translating evidence, research and stakeholder insight into impactful policy that drives real change for communities across the North East and responds to emerging national agendas around public service reform, devolution and the changing role of the state.
Leading a small team and working closely with senior leaders, partners and government stakeholders, you'll help shape the future direction of health and employability policy both regionally and nationally.
The Role
As Principal Health and Employability Policy Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of health and employability strategies and policies, ensuring they align with regional priorities, mayoral pledges and organisational objectives and respond to the changing role of the state and public service reform. You will data, research and stakeholder engagement to develop evidence-based solutions that in complex environments to improve outcomes for residents and employers across the North East.
A key part of the role will involve building and maintaining strong relationships with local, regional and national partners, influencing policy discussions, representing the organisation at external meetings and ensuring the North East has a strong voice in national conversations around health and employability. You will be able to provide high-quality advice, reports and briefings to senior leaders, boards and decision-makers.
You will also provide leadership and support to team members through line management, coaching and mentoring, helping to foster a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
About You
You will bring substantial experience of developing health and employability strategies and policies, alongside a strong understanding of national employment, skills and public policy agendas. You will be comfortable working in complex environments, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery and providing constructive challenge where needed.
We're looking for someone who can:
This isn't a role focused solely on producing policy documents from behind a desk.
Success in this position comes from building relationships, influencing decision-makers, engaging with stakeholders, interpreting evidence and driving meaningful change. You will be expected to lead conversations, challenge thinking, shape strategy and ensure policy translates into tangible outcomes for the people and businesses of the North East.
So, if you...
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Sonya Midgley, Head of Health and Employability, sonya.midgley@northeast-ca.gov.uk.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 20th November 2026.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 1st November 2026 at 23:59.
For further information about the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority please visit our website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk.
This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
This is an exciting time to join the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and we're looking for a strategic, influential and motivated policy professional to join our Health and Employability Team as a Principal Health and Employability Policy Manager.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in developing innovative policies and strategies that help more people access employment, improve economic participation and support the North East Mayor's ambition to make our region the Home of Real Opportunity You will work at the heart of complex and high-profile programmes, translating evidence, research and stakeholder insight into impactful policy that drives real change for communities across the North East and responds to emerging national agendas around public service reform, devolution and the changing role of the state.
Leading a small team and working closely with senior leaders, partners and government stakeholders, you'll help shape the future direction of health and employability policy both regionally and nationally.
The Role
As Principal Health and Employability Policy Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of health and employability strategies and policies, ensuring they align with regional priorities, mayoral pledges and organisational objectives and respond to the changing role of the state and public service reform. You will data, research and stakeholder engagement to develop evidence-based solutions that in complex environments to improve outcomes for residents and employers across the North East.
A key part of the role will involve building and maintaining strong relationships with local, regional and national partners, influencing policy discussions, representing the organisation at external meetings and ensuring the North East has a strong voice in national conversations around health and employability. You will be able to provide high-quality advice, reports and briefings to senior leaders, boards and decision-makers.
You will also provide leadership and support to team members through line management, coaching and mentoring, helping to foster a high-performing and collaborative team culture.
About You
You will bring substantial experience of developing health and employability strategies and policies, alongside a strong understanding of national employment, skills and public policy agendas. You will be comfortable working in complex environments, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery and providing constructive challenge where needed.
We're looking for someone who can:
- Develop clear, evidence-based policy and strategy proposals.
- Build credibility and influence with senior stakeholders and partners.
- Analyse complex information and translate it into practical recommendations.
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
- Lead projects, manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, organisational, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
- Champion equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for communities across the North East.Experience of line management, budget management, procurement, contract management and coaching others would be advantageous.
This isn't a role focused solely on producing policy documents from behind a desk.
Success in this position comes from building relationships, influencing decision-makers, engaging with stakeholders, interpreting evidence and driving meaningful change. You will be expected to lead conversations, challenge thinking, shape strategy and ensure policy translates into tangible outcomes for the people and businesses of the North East.
So, if you...
- Are passionate about improving health and employability outcomes.
- Enjoy shaping policy that can make a real difference to people's lives.
- Thrive on collaboration, influence and strategic thinking.
- Want to help deliver the Mayor's vision for a stronger, more inclusive region.
- Are ready to lead complex policy work with regional and national impact
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Sonya Midgley, Head of Health and Employability, sonya.midgley@northeast-ca.gov.uk.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 20th November 2026.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 1st November 2026 at 23:59.
For further information about the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority please visit our website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk.
This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
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Salary range
- £62,163 - £65,818 per year