Help shape the next chapter of devolution in the West of England.
The West of England is entering a defining period. With devolution bringing greater powers, responsibilities and opportunities, we have a real chance to secure investment, influence national decisions and deliver lasting change for the people and places of our region.
Our Mayor has ambitious priorities: better transport, more affordable homes, access to good and green jobs, stronger communities and an economy in which more people can share the benefits of growth. We are looking for an exceptional Chief of Staff who can help turn those ambitions, and the opportunities of devolution into meaningful regional impact.
As the Mayor’s principal strategic adviser and leader of the Mayor’s Office, you will operate at the heart of regional decision-making. You will help spot and shape opportunities, connect the Mayor with government and regional partners, support influential conversations and negotiations, and ensure that priorities are translated into credible, coordinated and deliverable action.
You will also lead a high-performing Mayor’s Office, bringing together policy, public affairs, communications, engagement and executive support. Working closely with the Chief Executive, senior officers and Directors, you will provide trusted advice and constructive challenge while respecting the Authority’s governance and clear lines of accountability.
What you will bring
- Exceptional strategic judgement, political awareness and the confidence to provide candid, evidence-led advice.
- A track record of turning complex ambitions or emerging opportunities into tangible outcomes.
- The ability to build influential relationships across government, public services, business and civic institutions.
- Strong leadership of people and multidisciplinary teams, with the judgement to prioritise and maintain delivery focus.
- Integrity, discretion, resilience and a clear understanding of impartial public-service leadership.
You may have built your career in local or central government, a public body, a major partnership, business or the voluntary sector. What matters most is your ability to operate credibly in a complex environment, bring people together and make things happen.
This is more than a role supporting the Mayor’s day-to-day agenda. It is an opportunity to help the West of England make the most of devolution and shape what comes next for our region.
This role will have terms and conditions required by Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regs 1990. This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
We welcome applications from candidates with a range of professional backgrounds, including central and local government, public services and other complex organisations. Applications from individuals interested in joining us on secondment from central government are particularly welcome, subject to agreement with their employing organisation.
The role closes at midnight on Thursday 29 October 2026.
Interviews are planned for mid-November 2026.
Find out more
If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you’d be a great fit. There’s more role-related formation is in the job description, but if you have any questions for the recruitment team you can contact us on Log in to view email.
