North East Combined Authority (NECA)

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) is shaping inclusive economic growth through devolved powers that are transforming the region. With skills at the heart of this agenda, NECA has a pivotal role in ensuring the workforce of today and tomorrow is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

We are now seeking to appoint an Assistant Director – Skills Strategy and Delivery (Grade SM4) within the Skills, Inclusion and Public Service Reform Directorate. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Director of Skills, Inclusion and Public Service Reform, with responsibility for developing and implementing an impactful skills strategy and programme delivery approach that reflects NECA’s policy vision and priorities.

The role is high-profile and complex, working at the interface between public policy and the private sector. The Assistant Director will work across the whole Authority, providing advice to the Mayor, Cabinet, and senior leadership team, while also leading engagement with local, regional, and national partners – including government departments, combined authorities, employers, universities, colleges, training providers, and business representative organisations (CBI, FSB, Chambers of Commerce).

Role Overview

The Assistant Director will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the region’s Skills and Employability Strategy, aligned with NECA’s Corporate Plan and economic priorities.

• Provide strategic leadership to the Skills Policy & Insight team and the Skills Programmes & Delivery team, ensuring measurable outcomes.

• Oversee a £100m+ annual programmes budget (including the Adult Education Budget, Skills Bootcamps, and other devolved funding), ensuring effective commissioning, monitoring, and value for money.

• Use data-driven insight to innovate, pilot new approaches, and drive continuous improvement.

• Lead relationships with senior stakeholders across education, business, and public services to co-design and implement region-wide initiatives that improve skills and employability.

• Act as a visible ambassador for NECA, influencing local, regional, and national skills policy.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking candidates with:

• Significant senior-level experience in skills, education, workforce development, or economic growth, gained within the public, private, higher education sectors or other not-for-profits.

• A proven record in strategy development, programme delivery, and complex stakeholder engagement, ideally across both public and private sector environments.

• A strong understanding of regional sectoral skills needs, national skills policy frameworks, adult skills, apprenticeships, and technical education.

• The ability to command confidence at the most senior levels, navigate complex and sometimes conflicting agendas, and deliver practical outcomes.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire and empower teams and build trusted partnerships across education, business, and government.

We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in:

• The skills sector (e.g. further education, training providers, skills bodies).

• Universities and higher education institutions, particularly those with experience in workforce development, employability, and course design aligned to employer needs.

• Private sector appointments, including business leaders who have shaped workforce strategy, skills initiatives, or large-scale partnership programmes.

Terms and Commitment

• Contract: Permanent, politically restricted post.

• Grade: SM4.

• Location: Based in the North East, with an expectation of three days per week in the office. The role is commutable and relocatable, with flexibility for weekly commuting.

• Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (career average, 1/60th accrual). Generous leave entitlement of 31 days plus bank holidays and an additional birthday day.

• Continuity: A high-profile role offering long-term stability, with an expectation of a four-year commitment.