Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace

Islington Council; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London seeks an Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace to lead strategic initiatives aimed at providing affordable workspaces for local businesses. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing commercial property portfolios and leading complex programs within local government. This role offers a range of benefits, including generous leave and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Up to 36 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay with the London Living Wage

Excellent local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Substantial track record of managing commercial or community property portfolios.
• Proven experience leading complex programmes or services at a senior local government level.
• A degree, postgraduate qualification, or equivalent in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Affordable Workspace agenda.
• Manage commercial property portfolios, including lease negotiations.
• Collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders.

Skills

Managing commercial or community property portfolios

Leadership in local government

Political astuteness

Education

Degree or equivalent in relevant field

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

Job description

Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace

Join to apply for the Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace role at Islington Council.

Islington Council has an exciting Affordable Workspace Programme that is committed to ensuring affordable work‑spaces in the borough for local businesses and delivering wider social value to local communities.

About the Role

The Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Council’s innovative Affordable Workspace agenda, reporting to the Director of Inclusive Economy and aligning it with the borough’s Community Wealth Building strategy and inclusive growth ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Affordable Workspace agenda.
• Align workspace initiatives with the Community Wealth Building strategy and inclusive growth ambitions.
• Manage commercial or community property portfolios, including lease negotiations, asset optimisation and compliance.
• Lead complex programmes or services at a senior level within local government.
• Collaborate effectively with the team, external consultants and political stakeholders to secure successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial track record of managing commercial or community property portfolios, including lease negotiations, asset optimisation and compliance.
• Proven experience leading complex programmes or services at a senior local government level.
• A degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. Urban Planning, Economic Development, Real Estate, Estate Management, Public Policy, Business Administration).
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. RICS, RTPI or similar).
• Political astuteness and comfort working to achieve 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 after five years of local government service. Islington Council adopts a hybrid approach to working, requiring senior leaders to be in the office three days a week and working from home two days a week.

Benefits

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• Flexible working arrangements and a 35‑hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive pay with 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.

About You

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers in the city we know that looking after the place, the planet and the people is essential. We live by the values of CARE – collaborative, ambitious, resourceful and empowering – and we seek candidates who share these values.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. The recruitment process is managed internally and external support will be reached out to directly if required.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and all staff and volunteers share this commitment. Some posts require a Disclosure and Barring Service submission under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities meeting the minimum criteria and we provide support for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and throughout the career.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, treating everyone with dignity and respect. The workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. We maintain a zero‑tolerance for unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation and work to promote a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation.