Adult Skills Fund Manager – Cumbria Combined Authority
Salary: £47,181
Location: Penrith (including agile working and working from home)
Contract Type: Permanent
Shape the Future of Cumbria
Cumbria is entering a bold new chapter.
The creation of the Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock the full potential of one of England’s most distinctive places. With devolution bringing new powers, new investment and a directly elected Mayor from May 2027, the Authority will play a central role in driving inclusive growth, improving public services and championing the needs of communities across Cumbria.
As we establish the organisation, we are seeking an Adult Skills Fund Manager to join us on our journey.
About this opportunity
For the first time, decisions will be made in Cumbria about how the Adult Skills Fund is used to benefit residents, employers and communities. Joining the Combined Authority as the Adult Skills Fund Manager at the beginning of this journey is an excellent opportunity to shape and mobilise this funding.
The Adult Skills Fund Manager will play a key role in implementing the Commissioning Strategy that will establish funding arrangements with colleges and training providers. They will support us in devising and setting up the operating model ready for go-live in August 2027, and in building the team that will manage the fund day to day.
Who we are looking for…
We are seeking an energetic and outcome-focused manager, with knowledge of the adult skills system and capability in establishing effective and efficient operational management processes.
Experience:
- Experience of interpreting Government policy and implementing policy objectives related to the local skills landscape.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively towards agreed objectives related to skills or employment.
Expertise:
- Proven ability to develop, implement, and deliver project activity within a complex policy environment.
- Ability to write clearly for a range of purposes.
- Effective networking and relationship-building skills with a wide range of staff including senior leaders, external stakeholders, employers and industry leaders.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently across different geographical locations.
- Ability to work collaboratively within teams and with partners to achieve results.
- Experience in managing contracts, budgets and associated risks.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage own workload effectively.
- Ability to analyse and present data.
Why Join Cumbria Combined Authority?
- Be part of a brand-new organisation with real devolved powers
- Work with passionate partners across public, private and community sectors
- Make a tangible difference to places, people and opportunities across Cumbria
- Leave a lasting legacy by preparing the Authority for long-term success
If you are inspired by the opportunity to build something new, meaningful and impactful, and to help shape the future of Cumbria, we would love to hear from you.
Join us at the start of Cumbria’s journey – and help turn ambition into reality.
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the Role Profile.
If you have any queries or would like an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Caroline Powney, Head of Skills, Work & Health Strategy on [email protected] (from 10 August).
Location
This role may be suitable for hybrid working, which means an employee works part of their time in the office and part from home. This is a voluntary and non‑contractual arrangement between you and your manager, and your contractual place of work will remain your office location.
If a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for both the role and for you, you will normally be required to spend a minimum of 40% of your working hours in the office. Our main office is at Redhills, near Penrith. We are also able to use offices of our partner authorities across the county to help fulfil this expectation.
Please discuss any caring responsibilities, disabilities, or other circumstances that may affect your ability to meet this minimum office attendance requirement with the recruiting manager.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 25th August 2026
Interview date: w/c 7th September 2026
Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Individuals may be required to have Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in place for this role, dependent on access to specific government systems, which does include a Basic DBS check. The recruiting manager will discuss the requirements for this appointment, with the successful candidate.
