Location
Summer Lane, Central London with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£51,473 per annum

About the Role
Are you ready to make a real impact on the lives of millions of people across the West Midlands? We are looking for a passionate and driven Air Quality Lead who wants to shape regional change, lead innovation and help create cleaner air for everyone. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has already built a strong foundation with the launch of the Regional Air Quality Framework and a three-year implementation plan in 2023. Since then, a regional sensor network has been installed and a major behaviour change campaign with schools has been run. Work is underway on a regional air quality forecast and alert system as well as refreshed planning guidance for local authorities.

In this role, you will lead the delivery of the regional air quality programme and collaborate directly with local authorities, health bodies such as the NHS and UKHSA, Defra, Transport for West Midlands, universities, and many other partners committed to improving air quality across the region. This role suits someone who enjoys collaboration, takes ownership, and wants to influence and deliver projects that create healthier, more sustainable communities.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead delivery of the Regional Air Quality Framework and update the Air Quality Implementation Plan.
- Produce clear and engaging reports for political boards including Overview and Scrutiny and the WMCA Board.
- Support conversations with Defra to secure powers and resources needed for regional progress.
- Build strong working relationships with local authorities, universities, health partners, and other external stakeholders.
- Facilitate workshops to encourage collaboration, learning, and new ideas.
- Represent WMCA at external meetings, conferences, and regional events.
- Lead the Air Quality Implementation Group and set its future work programme.
- Secure funding to expand and deliver regional air quality projects.
- Manage the regional sensor network and WMCA’s relationship with EarthSense.
- Oversee rollout and adoption of the regional air quality forecast and alert system.
- Lead communications and engagement activities to support the programme.
- Coordinate procurement and manage external suppliers and consultants.
- Support both technical and behaviour change elements of the programme.
- Lead monitoring and evaluation to understand progress and impact.
- Provide specialist technical support to project delivery partners and funders.
- Manage accurate costing, governance, and value for money across all activity.

Experience
- Managing project data and reporting.
- Engaging and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
- Delivering and interpreting environmental or technical projects.
- Confident user of MS Office, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Experience with Power BI or similar data visualisation tools.
- Knowledge of air quality issues and the policy landscape at local, regional, and national levels.
- Understanding of natural capital, ecosystem services, and nature finance.
- Ability to design and deliver practical solutions with a wide range of partners.

About you
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of relevant policy agendas and their importance.
- Commitment to helping create a fairer, greener, and healthier West Midlands.
- Enjoys collaboration, takes ownership, and is motivated to deliver impactful projects.

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.