Stuart Brand

Senior Modelling and Forecasting Manager @West Midlands Combined Authority

West Midlands, GB

I am a Senior Modelling and Forecasting Manager in the Productivity and Skills team at the West Midlands Combined Authority. My role combines leadership with hands on technical delivery, and I act as a staff manager who supports all areas of the team. I step in to cover gaps when needed and ensure that projects are delivered to a consistently high standard.Alongside management responsibilities, I lead the design and administration of our cloud based modelling and forecasting platforms. I build and maintain full stack solutions using Quarkus APIs, React Admin front ends, and MySQL databases. I also manage deployment on AWS, including servers, load balancers, and supporting infrastructure, ensuring that our systems are secure, scalable and efficient.I have developed strong capability in translating technical outputs into insights that can be used by decision makers. Using Amazon QuickSight, I design interactive dashboards that make complex modelling results clear and accessible to senior leaders, local authorities, government departments and training providers.I place a strong emphasis on quality assurance, governance and best practice. I set coding standards, oversee data management processes, and ensure that all modelling and forecasting outputs are transparent, reliable and aligned with organisational priorities. I also mentor colleagues and support capability building across the team, encouraging innovation, automation and continuous improvement.I combine leadership, software engineering, cloud architecture and data insight to provide the technical and analytical backbone for WMCA’s productivity and skills strategy.

Aston Business School

BNM897 - IT Strategy

Aston Business School

BHM382 - Leadership and Change

Aston Business School

MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist