Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace

Islington Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Greater London is seeking an Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace to lead its initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a significant background in property management and local government, with proven leadership abilities. This role offers a hybrid working model and a competitive salary package, including generous leave and other benefits.

Benefits

Up to 36 days leave after five years

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay

Local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Substantial track record in managing property portfolios required.
• Proven experience in leading at a senior level in local government.
• Ability to achieve outcomes in a political environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Affordable Workspace agenda.
• Align initiatives with the borough's Community Wealth Building strategy.

Skills

Managing commercial or community property portfolios

Lease negotiations

Asset optimisation

Leading complex programmes

Political astuteness

Education

Degree or postgraduate qualification in Urban Planning, Economic Development, Real Estate, Estate Management, Public Policy, Business Administration

Relevant professional qualification (e.g., RICS, RTPI)

Job description

About The Role

Islington Council has an exciting Affordable Workspace Programme. The programme is committed to ensuring affordable work‑spaces in the borough for local businesses and delivering wider social value to local communities. Islington Council is seeking to recruit an Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace. This is a dynamic, pivotal role within the Community Wealth Building Team. Reporting to the Director of Inclusive Economy, the Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Council’s innovative Affordable Workspace agenda, aligning it with the borough’s Community Wealth Building strategy and inclusive growth ambitions.

Application

Please apply via the following link: https://penna.com/job/a0c1ffdb-11a5-5d5f-a80d-fdc9fc1f803e

About Islington

Islington is a thriving inner London borough, rich in diversity and culture. Too many residents are living in poverty or experiencing inequalities and poorer outcomes. As a council we are determined to tackle this. Our Islington Together 2030 Plan sets out a bold vision for working together with diverse communities to create a more equal future, underpinned by five key missions.

It is an exciting time to join one of the best councils in the country. Islington is led by fantastic members and officers, passionate about making Islington a more equal place, whilst embodying our CARE values: Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, and Empowering.

The Successful Applicant

We are looking for someone who has a substantial track record of managing commercial or community property portfolios, including lease negotiations, asset optimisation and compliance. The successful candidate will have proven experience in leading complex programmes or services at a senior level within local government, enabling you to get the best from your team and external consultants. A degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. Urban Planning, Economic Development, Real Estate, Estate Management, Public Policy, Business Administration) is essential. You must also have a relevant professional qualification (e.g. RICS, RTPI, or similar). You will need to be politically astute and comfortable achieving successful outcomes in a political environment.

Working for Us

In addition to a generous salary, you will have access to a generous annual leave allowance, starting at 31 days and increasing to 36 days leave per year after five years of local government service.

Islington Council adopts a hybrid approach to working, to promote and sustain a good work‑life balance. For this leadership post, you would be expected to work in the office as and when required, with a hybrid model of three days a week in the office and two days home working.

Our Offer to You

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work‑life balance, as well as a 35‑hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Priority

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Contact

For further information or an informal conversation about the post, please contact:

Caroline Wilson – Director of Inclusive Economy

Email: [e-mail]

Note to Recruitment Agencies

We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. We are managing the recruitment process internally and will reach out directly should we require external support. Thank you for your understanding.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Qualifications Check

The post is subject to a qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.