Policy and Strategy Officer

• Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £41,511 - £44,711 (Pay award pending)
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Join Us at the Heart of South Yorkshire's Future

At South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), we're working to build a wealthier, healthier, happier and safer region — where everyone can stay near and go far. Our Corporate Plan sets out a clear vision: to deliver inclusive growth, tackle inequalities, and create opportunities that transform lives and places. This role sits at the centre of that mission, helping to turn ambition into action.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across the organisation's highest priority agendas — shaping and coordinating policy that makes a real difference for people and communities. Working as a key part of the Strategy and Mayoral Office Directorate. You'll help develop key strategies and plans, support teams across the organisation in the development of their policies and programmes and work to make sure these plans are converted into actionable investment ready projects.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.
About The Role
You'll lead and support work that spans devolution, public service reform and beyond. Day to day, that means:

• Taking ownership of priority portfolios and workstreams, clarifying objectives and driving delivery.
• Advising senior leaders with clear, actionable recommendations that frame choices and risks.
• Commissioning and quality-assuring analysis and briefings, ensuring evidence underpins decisions.
• Coordinating policy and strategy workplans so delivery is aligned and visible.
• Preparing concise, compelling briefings and presentations for Members, partners and senior officials.
• Supporting effective governance rhythms and forward planning for key forums.
• Keeping an eye on emerging policy to spot opportunities and risks early.
• Representing SYMCA with partners and, on occasion, deputising for the Director.

About You
We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery:

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, with significant experience leading complex policy in a political or multi-stakeholder context.
• Exceptional analytical and writing skills — able to turn complexity into clarity.
• Skilled at partnership working and influencing at senior levels.
• Comfortable managing competing deadlines and driving progress.
• Familiarity with performance frameworks and public value measurement would be an advantage.

Benefits
All colleagues have access to a
Local Government Pension Scheme
and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

**In addition to the above, some of benefits include -

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement
– From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service)
plus
bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
– The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave

Hybrid working
– Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.

Flexible Hours Scheme
– Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees' flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.

Rewarding You
- Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.

Training on the job
- Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications

Professional Membership Fees
– Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all
essential
criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact - or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.