Assistant Director – Inclusive Growth

Penna Executive Search; City Of London; On-site; GBP 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in London is seeking an experienced Assistant Director for Inclusive Growth. The successful candidate will drive economic development, implement strategic initiatives, and foster collaboration to ensure equal opportunities for all residents. This pivotal role offers a salary of up to £105,113 and the chance to make a significant impact in a diverse community.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading economic development initiatives.
• Ability to translate corporate priorities into impactful programs.
• Expertise in creating pathways to employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies across key sectors.
• Lead employment programs for good jobs.
• Champion inclusive growth and economic transformation.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Collaborative partnership

Governance knowledge

Innovative thinking

Commitment to equality

Job description

Join us and help build a thriving borough!

Assistant Director – Inclusive Growth

Salary up to £105,113

Islington is a vibrant and wonderfully diverse inner London borough, home to over 215,000 residents. We are determined to create a more equal Islington – a place where everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

We are seeking bold, innovative leaders to help us deliver a more inclusive economy, redirecting wealth into the local economy and back into the hands of our people and businesses. Following a recent service reorganisation, we have created a new Assistant Director role to drive our Inclusive Growth and shape economic policy and practice in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.

There has never been a better time to join us.

In this pivotal role, you will drive forward Islington’s strategic ambitions for local economic development, employment, and social impact. You will lead the delivery of the forthcoming Islington Inclusive Growth Plan, translating corporate priorities into tangible, high-impact programmes that promote prosperity, sustainability, and fairness for all residents. Your remit will include:

• Developing and implementing sector strategies across key clusters such as construction, care & health, the knowledge economy, and the green economy.
• Leading significant employment programmes that create pathways into good jobs and careers.
• Championing innovation and inclusive growth to ensure Islington remains at the forefront of progressive economic development.

What we are looking for

We want leaders who are:

• Strategic and visionary, with strong corporate leadership skills to improve outcomes for all residents.
• Collaborative, with a proven track record of delivering results through partnership.
• Governance‑savvy, ensuring robust organisational performance.
• Innovative and solutions‑focused, driving inclusive growth and economic transformation.
• Empowering, creating a culture where everyone can thrive.
• Committed to equality, delivering first‑class services and ready to champion a more equal Islington.

Join us and help shape a borough where opportunity is shared, and everyone can prosper.

For a confidential discussion contact Pete John, [e-mail], at 07701 305617, Bruna Varante, [e-mail], at 07858 306725, or Mark Baldwinson, [e-mail] at 07764 698139.

Role Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026