Assistant Director/Director – Commercial

local.gov.uk; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Local Partnerships seeks passionate project professionals for Director or Assistant Director roles, focusing on PFI/PPP projects. This hybrid position requires a strong track record in public sector project delivery and stakeholder engagement, offering a chance to make a meaningful impact on public services.

Benefits

Flexible, home-based working

Great benefits package

Qualifications

• PFI/PPP project delivery experience, ideally 5+ years.
• Strong commercial understanding of public-private contracting.
• Proven track record of managing project phases and transitions.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of strategic projects both independently and as part of a team.
• Produce high-quality reports and recommendations.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and navigate contract issues.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Risk management

Communication

Education

Degree-level education

Professional qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, RICS)

Job description

Employer: Local Partnerships

Location: Home-based, with occasional travel

Salary: Directors - £75,000 Assistant Directors £45,000

Closing Date: 14 July 2025

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours Per week: 35

Background

Are you passionate about making a difference in the public sector? Do you have a strong track record in project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and a deep interest in or understanding of PFI/PPP contracts?

Local Partnerships is growing – whether you’re an experienced individual ready to step into a new challenge, or a senior professional looking for a Director-level role, we want to hear from you.

At Local Partnerships, we help public sector organisations across England and Wales deliver projects that improve lives, shape communities, and create long-term value. As a key delivery partner to the UK Government and the Local Government Association, we work on high-profile, high-impact initiatives across infrastructure, energy, housing, and more.

We’re currently expanding our team and are recruiting for Directors or Assistant Directors with experience in complex contracting between the public and private sectors - particularly in the PFI/PPP space.

About Local Partnerships

Local Partnerships is a joint venture between the UK Government and the Local Government Association. We support public sector organisations to deliver high-impact programmes in housing, infrastructure, regeneration, energy and more. Our work improves lives, strengthens communities and delivers long-term value.

About the Role

As an Assistant Director, you will:

• Support the delivery of strategic projects, either independently / as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Apply your specialist knowledge—whether legal, technical, commercial / financial—to solve complex public sector challenges

• Build strong relationships with clients, navigate stakeholder environments, and contribute to public value

• Work across project lifecycles— planning and procurement, dealing with contract management and operational issues, expiry/termination and subsequent transitional arrangements

• Assignments often involve producing high-quality analytical reports and recommendations, so excellent written and communication skills are essential

• You’ll need to understand the public sector context, including the role of elected officials, and demonstrate integrity, adaptability and resilience.

What We're Looking For

The role often requires balancing commercial interests with public accountability,so integrity, resilience under pressure, and the ability to make sound decisions are vital.

We’re keen to have candidates who have:

• Proven experience in PFI/PPP projects, ideally 5+ years

• Knowledge of sector-specific legislation and guidance

• Strong commercial understanding of public-private contracting, particularly SoPC-based forms of contract

• Experience of risk management approaches, with the ability to identify and mitigate risks

• Exceptional project management and stakeholder engagement skills

• A track record of effective delivery within / alongside the public sectorin a technical, legal, financial, commercial field

• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

To Apply

To be considered for the role, please complete the online form and include a supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria for the role before the closing date.

We are specifically assessing candidates against the following criteria:

1.Relevant PFI/PPP Project Delivery Experience

• A clear track record of delivering complex PFI/PPP projects or workstreams, ideally in housing, regeneration, or public sector contexts.

• Evidence of managing project phases, outputs, and transitions.

2. Sector-Specific Experience (Public Sector or Third Sector)

• Roles within or alongside UK local/central government, housing bodies, or community organisations.

• Specific references to public sector clients or projects.

3. Business Case or Strategic Report Writing

• Direct mentions of producing business cases, strategic reports, or similar deliverables.

• Outputs aligning with public sector methodologies (e.g., HM Treasury Green Book, Five Case Model).

4. Line or Project Team Management

• Team leadership or management of multi-disciplinary project teams.

• Evidence of overseeing team activities, timelines, or budgets.

5. Relevant Professional Qualifications and Education

• Degree-level education.

• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, RICS, RTPI, etc.).

6. Business Development and Client Relationship Management

• Experience of developing client relationships, repeat business, or expanding accounts.

• Mentions of identifying new opportunities, writing proposals, or engaging in strategic growth.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference by supporting the delivery of critical public services

• Work on diverse, challenging projects with high levels of autonomy

• Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team

• Flexible, home-based working with UK travel

• Great benefits package, promoting work-life balance, wellbeing and financial security

Interested?

If you're an accomplished project professional in the PFI/PPP space - whether you're looking for your next step as an Assistant Director / feel ready for a Director-level role . Click on the link below to read the job description(s) and apply for the role.

Assistant Director - Commercial - Job DescriptionDirector - Commercial - Job Description

Want to learn more about our impact?

Read our latest Impact Report to discover the amazing work our team is delivering across England and Wales: Impact Report 2024

We value diversity and encourage applications within all sections of the community, regardless of race, national / ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, transgender identity, religion / belief.