Interim Strategic Development Lead, Skills

Fixed Term, Full Time (Maximum 12 months)Temporary or FTC/Secondment (Salary within advert)Location: CountywideClosing Date: 14th December 2025Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.Salary Information: Temporary up to £650 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or Fixed Term/Secondment from £75,050 to £88,295 per annumOverviewGreater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authority, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.Purpose of the Role.Lead development of GECCA’s Employability & Skills strategy and associated programmes.Shape and deliver policies, initiatives and partnerships that increase training, employment opportunities and progression pathways across Greater Essex.Strengthen collaboration across councils, education providers, employers and central government.Support the development of organisational systems, governance and assurance mechanisms for employability and skills programmes.Contribute to building an agile, high-performing organisation capable of delivering devolved skills functions effectively.Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop, implement and drive strategies that improve skills, employment outcomes and access to opportunity.Secure investment and funding to support regional skills ambitions ensuring that the Combined County Authority is able to effectively demonstrate readiness in order to access government funding at the required timeLead the design of innovative programmes that respond to labour market needs and future skills demands.Represent GECCA regionally and nationally, influencing policy and strengthening the region’s voice.Corporate ResponsibilitiesLead commissioning and delivery of skills programmes in line with governance, procurement and financial standards.Oversee performance management and reporting to ensure transparency, impact and continuous improvement.Support cross-cutting priorities such as net zero, digital transformation and inclusion.People LeadershipLead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in programme design and organisational culture.Build capability, talent pipelines and strong internal and external relationships.Candidate Profile (Essentials)Deep understanding of adult learning, post-16 skills, employability policy and commissioning.Knowledge of devolution, AEB, funding mechanisms and workforce planning.Strong strategic leadership and policy development capability.Excellent partnership skills with employers, FE/HE, councils and government.Proven ability to secure funding and manage high-value programmes.Politically aware, resilient and experienced in complex public sector environments.*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County AuthorityThis role is being recruited on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council.This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. xpwpeyx Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on ( or Sadie Orwell ( 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 Essex Shared Services at As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click ‘APPLY’ to begin your applicationClosing date for applications: 14th December 2025 at 23:59pm