Head of Engagement - Built Environment and Urbanism

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation accelerator in the UK seeks a Head of Engagement for Built Environment and Urbanism. This role involves enhancing innovation capacity, fostering partnerships, and leading a talented team to drive sustainable urban development. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in engagement and business development, with a strong focus on strategic partnerships and market trends.

Benefits

9-day fortnight

23.5 days holiday

Competitive pension contributions

Volunteering days

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Health plans

Payroll giving

Retail discounts

Mortgage advice

Qualifications

• Proven senior experience in engagement, sales, partnerships, or business development.
• Strong knowledge of planning, urbanism, construction, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic engagement initiatives aligned with government priorities.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities to meet KPIs.
• Empower colleagues to identify opportunities and develop relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Engagement

Business Development

Market Analysis

Job description

Head of Engagement - Built Environment and Urbanism, London

Client: Connected Places Catapult

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 268032de6468

Job Views: 3

Posted: 14.05.2025

Expiry Date: 28.06.2025

Job Description:

Location: London or Milton Keynes

Reporting to: Built Environment and Urbanism Director

Working hours: Full time (9-day Fortnight companywide)

Band: 4.3

About CPC:

Connected Places Catapult is the UK’s innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities, and local growth. We aim to create better connected places across the UK and beyond, focusing on sustainability, regeneration, resilience, prosperity, and community well-being through innovation.

We believe innovation is key to unlocking the potential of towns, cities, and transport systems, making them more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous.

We act as a catalyst to accelerate the development and adoption of new products and services that address societal challenges and promote economic growth, working with businesses, knowledge partners, and public bodies to bridge discovery and market deployment.

The role:

We seek a dynamic leader to serve as Head of Built Environment and Urbanism Engagement, playing a crucial role in enhancing the UK's innovation capacity in the built environment. This role is ideal for someone who views urban complexity as an opportunity and is eager to influence systems and unlock value at the intersection of technology, place, and people.

Within our Built Environment and Urbanism Directorate, which focuses on planning, construction, housing, real estate, infrastructure, and public spaces, you will help shape engagement strategies to foster more connected, inclusive, and sustainable places.

This is about creating partnerships that drive innovation and adoption, working across government, industry, academia, and SMEs to develop projects that promote decarbonisation, digital transformation, citizen co-creation, and economic growth. You will lead a talented team to maximize its potential.

You will collaborate with senior leaders to build strategic partnerships and define engagement approaches, offering a unique opportunity to reimagine the systems shaping our environments. We seek a curious, driven leader dedicated to making an impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Engagement and Market Development

• Lead strategic engagement initiatives aligned with government priorities and market challenges.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships across sectors.
• Represent CPC at national and sector events, contributing to policy debates and media engagement.
• Analyze market trends and client needs to inform strategy and identify opportunities.

Business Development & Account Leadership

• Identify and secure new business opportunities to meet KPIs and revenue goals.
• Coordinate proposal development and client negotiations.
• Manage sales pipelines and maintain CRM accuracy.
• Create marketing collateral translating insights into compelling propositions.

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Empower colleagues to identify opportunities and develop relationships.
• Promote a collaborative, outward-facing mindset and systems-thinking.
• Mentor junior staff and foster future leaders.
• Align engagement strategies with delivery capabilities.
• Encourage continuous process and behavior improvements.
• Manage team performance through goal setting and development support.

Requirements:

Experience & Domain Expertise

• Proven senior experience in engagement, sales, partnerships, or business development within the built environment sector.
• Strong knowledge of planning, urbanism, construction, infrastructure, or related fields.
• Successful track record in developing bids, managing strategic accounts, and closing deals.
• Financial acumen for risk assessment and deal structuring.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and anticipate market trends.
• Excellent research, analysis, and customer strategy skills.

Leadership & Influence

• Confident, people-first leader with high-performance team experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative leadership style.
• Innovative thinker who challenges conventions.

Communication

• Excellent presenter and influencer, capable of engaging senior stakeholders.
• Skilled in translating technical concepts into compelling narratives.
• Experienced in public engagement, storytelling, and narrative shaping.
• Proficient in creating presentations and sales materials.
• Knowledge of government processes and funding mechanisms.
• Familiar with urban tech domains like PropTech, ClimateTech, PlanTech, and sustainable construction.
• Understanding of digital technologies in the built environment.

Additional benefits include a 9-day fortnight, 23.5 days holiday, competitive pension contributions, volunteering days, Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, health plans, payroll giving, retail discounts, and mortgage advice. Employment is merit-based, with a strict policy against discrimination and harassment, and accommodations for disabilities.