We’re looking for a strategic, influential and highly collaborative Cluster Manager to join the West Midlands Growth Company — someone who can take ownership from day one and shape how high‑growth sectors drive the economic future of our region. If you thrive in complex environments, love building partnerships, and want your work to directly influence regional growth, this could be the perfect next step for you.
The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is the region’s economic development delivery organisation. From April 2026, we will lead regionally commissioned activity aligned to the West Midlands Growth Plan, working closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities.
We are building a sharper, business‑focused organisation that attracts investment, nurtures high‑growth companies, and drives measurable economic impact. If you want your work to shape the direction of one of the UK’s most dynamic economic regions, this is your opportunity.
As our new Cluster Manager, you’ll be a key system leader within WMGC—responsible for managing relationships with a portfolio of high‑growth Cluster Bodies linked to the key sectors shaping the region’s future economy. You bring strategic judgment, confidence working across complex stakeholder environments, and the ability to turn ambition into structured, high‑impact delivery.
You will ensure Cluster Bodies are well‑governed, strategically aligned, impactful and fully integrated into the wider regional ecosystem. You’ll help strengthen their sustainability, effectiveness and influence so they deliver measurable productivity, growth and innovation outcomes for the West Midlands.
Organised, collaborative, and politically astute, you are motivated by building strong institutions, enabling sector leadership, and supporting long‑term regional growth.
We are hiring for 2 Cluster Manager positions:
- Cluster Manager Modern Services and Life Sciences
- Cluster Manager Tech & Creative
Managing WMGC’s relationships with a portfolio of market‑facing Cluster Bodies representing High Growth Sectors across the region.
-
Commissioning Cluster Bodies (with WMCA) to put in place strong governance, clear strategies, and annual action plans.
-
Ensuring delivery of outcomes and impact aligned with the West Midlands Growth Plan.
-
Enabling Cluster Bodies to collaborate with WMGC functions including Business Support/SAM, Inward Investment, Capital Attraction, Business Growth Capital, Future Workforce & Talent, Visitor Economy and Regional Promotion.
-
Driving ecosystem collaboration with universities, Catapults, investors, local authorities, national bodies and more.
-
Supporting Cluster Bodies to contribute business insight and policy input to the WMCA economic policy team.
-
Facilitating collaboration between Cluster Bodies to share learning, boost outcomes and improve operational efficiency.
-
Supporting the growth, development and—where required—the formation of new Cluster Bodies.
-
- Overseeing WMGC’s delivery of shared services (e.g., marketing, CRM) to Cluster Bodies where provided.
- Producing high‑quality written and oral reports for internal and external audiences.
- Building strong relationships with WMCA, Local Authorities, universities, employers, business groups, trade unions and government stakeholders.
Essential
Degree or relevant business qualification.
-
Ability to build strong, trusted relationships and influence senior leaders.
-
Experience across public, private, academic and third‑sector environments.
-
Strong systems thinking and the ability to operate across complex delivery landscapes.
-
Excellent communication skills, including high‑quality reporting.
-
Programme coordination and impact management experience.
-
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
-
- Collaborative, collegiate working style that builds positive relationships at all levels.
Experience in economic development, innovation, or business growth environments.
-
Proven track record coordinating multiple stakeholders to deliver shared outcomes.
-
Experience in commissioning, contract oversight, and performance management.
-
Experience engaging with local authorities, combined authorities, universities and business groups.
-
Desirable
Experience with cross‑sector or cross‑cluster collaboration.
-
Commercial and financial sustainability skills.
-
Change management or organisational development experience.
-
Strong analytical and project management capabilities.
-
- Understanding of Cluster Management and sector‑based organisations.
Experience contributing business insight to policy development.
-
Experience representing an organisation externally at senior forums.
-
Exposure to ecosystem development across innovation, investment, skills or inward investment.
-
- 26 days holiday
- Company pension scheme with life assurance
- Hybrid working with 2 days in the office
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Simple Health employee membership
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
