Non-Executive Director (Business Development)

GatenbySanderson; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic consultancy is seeking a Non-Executive Director to help maximise redevelopment opportunities at Covent Garden Market Authority. The ideal candidate will have extensive commercial acumen and experience in business development to ensure the financial independence of CGMA post-redevelopment. Required qualifications include a proven track record in generating income and strategic leadership skills. Applications close on 1 Dec 2025.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in property or business development.
• Track record of successfully growing assets.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver commercial sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Maximise opportunities from redevelopment.
• Provide strategic direction during transition.
• Ensure financial independence post-redevelopment.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Strategic leadership

Investment generation

Job description

About Covent Garden Market Authority

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) is a statutory corporation with a proud heritage. Established in 1961, it has a legal obligation to provide and run a bulk horticultural wholesale market. New Covent Garden Market (NCGM), based on a 38‑acre site in Nine Elms, is the UK's largest wholesale market for fresh produce and flowers. Home to over 130 businesses and 2,000 employees, in 2024‑25 the market generated a combined turnover of £934m. CGMA is responsible for the site's management, redevelopment, and strategic direction, ensuring it remains a thriving and profitable enterprise.

Strategic Priorities

CGMA is nearing the final phase of a major redevelopment programme, transforming the market to meet the needs of modern wholesale trade. This ambitious project, delivered in partnership with developers Vinci and St. Modwen, is funded through the release of surplus land and aims to secure the market's long‑term sustainability without cost to the taxpayer. As the redevelopment concludes in 2028, CGMA is preparing for a future of financial independence. Key priorities include delivering the redevelopment to time and budget, enhancing market management and operational efficiency, and supporting tenants through strategic transition and rent reviews.

Non-Executive Director – Business Development

We are seeking a strategic leader with deep commercial acumen to help CGMA maximise the opportunities presented by its redevelopment and the wider regeneration of the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea area. You will bring senior‑level experience in identifying growth opportunities, generating income, and securing investment, ideally through property or business development. Your track record will demonstrate success in growing assets and delivering commercial sustainability. You will provide strategic direction during a period of transition, including a rent review in 2027 and the end of the redevelopment in 2028, ensuring CGMA is well‑positioned for future independence and profitability.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date: 12 noon on 1 December 2025

Short listing: January 2026

Final Panel Interviews expected: Friday 13 February 2026

How to Apply

To apply for this post please submit the following information no later than 12 noon on Monday 1 December 2025.

In order to apply you will need to create an account on the Public Appointments website or sign in: Appointment details – Covent Garden Market Authority Non‑Executive Directors – Apply for a public appointment – GOV.UK

To apply, you must provide:

• Equality information
• Information relating to any outside interests or potential reputational issues

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate. You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.

All applications must be submitted via the GatenbySanderson website.

• CV of no more than two sides of A4;
• A supporting statement of not more than 1000 words (approximately two sides of A4), setting out how you meet the essential criteria – make sure you refer to the contents of this document and provide specific examples;
• E‑mail addresses for two referees.

For a confidential discussion about the role to help you determine your suitability for application and/or to answer any questions you might have, please contact our recruitment advisors at GatenbySanderson:

• Zoe Bennett, [e-mail]
• Olivia Robinson, [e-mail]
• Julie Myers, [e-mail]

If you have any questions about the appointments process, you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, or require additional assistance to support you in your application, please email our recruitment advisors at the email addresses above.

Alternatively, please contact the Defra Public Appointments Team on: [e-mail]