Head of International Growth

Job Introduction

Head of International Growth

We are seeking a strategic and outward-looking leader to shape the West of England’s international growth agenda, building high-value partnerships, identifying global opportunities and championing the region for the good of people who live, work and visit the West of England.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint a Head of International Growth to join the Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders team, where your key responsibility will be to deliver the Mayor’s priorities by:

Lead and coordinate the region’s international engagement and strategic innovation partnership activity, aligning priorities with long-term economic growth objectives.

Provide strategic intelligence on global investment, innovation and technology trends, advising senior leaders on emerging opportunities, risks and market developments.

Develop and manage high-impact innovation partnerships and programmes across research, technology, innovation adoption and strategic growth sectors.

Represent the region at national and international forums, building influential relationships and strengthening collaboration with key partners and stakeholders.

Enhance the region’s global profile through strategic engagement, thought leadership and compelling narratives that increase investor confidence, visibility and international influence.

What you'll be doing

You will be instrumental in connecting the MCA with the region’s research-intensive universities, R&D institutions, technology businesses and strategic investors to accelerate economic growth, strengthen priority sectors and develop globally competitive propositions.

Using strategic insight, relationship-building expertise and a strong focus on outcomes, you will create and sustain partnership arrangements that deliver real impact, strengthen collective leadership across the region and support the successful delivery of mayoral priorities.

What you'll bring

You will bring exceptional relationship-building, influencing and commercial skills, with the ability to develop trusted partnerships across government, business, academia, investors and international networks. You will have experience of identifying and translating global opportunities into tangible outcomes that support economic growth, innovation and investment.

You will bring strong strategic insight, with the ability to analyse global trends, emerging technologies and market developments, using evidence and intelligence to shape decision-making and long-term priorities. You will be adept at developing compelling business cases, articulating clear value propositions, evaluating risks and opportunities, and demonstrating robust financial and economic benefits.

Most importantly, you will bring an outward-looking and collaborative approach, championing innovation, fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing the region's international profile, competitiveness and influence on the global stage.

We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders across government, business, academia and international networks.

Proven ability to identify and develop strategic partnerships, international collaborations and innovation opportunities that deliver economic growth and regional impact.

Strong analytical capability, able to interpret complex data, market intelligence and global trends to inform strategy and support decision-making.

Experience of developing compelling business cases, articulating clear value propositions, assessing risks and opportunities, and presenting robust financial and economic evidence.

Commercially aware and forward-thinking, with a strong understanding of international investment trends and the global economic landscape.

Resilient and adaptable leader, comfortable operating in complex political and stakeholder environments, challenging convention and driving ambitious outcomes at pace.

Why choose us?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of partnership working across one of the UK's most ambitious and innovative combined authorities.

You will play a leading role in developing strategic relationships that influence regional growth, strengthen communities and improve outcomes for people and places across the West of England.

Working at the heart of regional leadership, you'll have the opportunity to influence major decisions, collaborate with senior leaders across multiple sectors and help create the conditions for long-term success across the region.

If you have a passion for partnership working, exceptional leadership skills and the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, this is the role for you.

Find out more

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you'd be a great fit.

More information is in the job description but if you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact the Resourcing Team: resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk

The closing date for this role is midnight on 4th August 2026.

Interviews are planned to take place mid-August.