Principal - Local Government, London

Gate One is a business and digital transformation management consultancy working shoulder-to-shoulder with clients to design and deliver some of the world’s largest and most complex transformations that create meaningful change. We are a premium challenger consultancy - entrepreneurial, creative and values‑driven - and as part of the Havas network, we bring a unique blend of strategic consulting, transformation expertise and creative capability to solve our clients’ toughest challenges. Within Local Government, we partner with local authorities to help them deliver more with less, from targeted service improvements to full-scale operating model redesign.

As our team continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced Principal to help shape the direction of the practice, lead our most significant engagements, and further deepen our presence in the sector.

The opportunity:

• As a Principal at Gate One, you will play a central leadership role - shaping major programmes, building senior client relationships and steering our Local Government strategy.
• You will bring thought leadership and sector credibility, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across local authorities.
• Lead high‑value client engagements.
• Oversee large, complex Local Government projects, leading blended teams.
• Apply deep sector expertise to shape solutions, anticipate client needs and navigate the realities of local government environments.
• Act as a senior advisor to executive‑level stakeholders, bringing insight, challenge and clarity.
• Ensure high‑quality delivery and provide guidance, coaching and quality assurance to project teams.
• Drive business development and account growth.
• Shape and convert new opportunities, including leading major bids and senior‑level business development meetings.
• Build relationships across senior client stakeholder groups, expanding Gate One’s footprint and influence.
• Lead or co‑lead account strategies and sector development priorities.
• Build and scale the Local Government practice.
• Shape capability development, propositions, thought leadership and go‑to‑market strategies.
• Lead internal initiatives aligned to Gate One’s strategic priorities.
• Play a pivotal role in recruitment and in developing the next generation of consultants through people leadership, coaching and performance support.

About You:

We are looking for an experienced consultant who will bring maturity, credibility and a proven ability to advise senior leaders. Specifically, we are looking for someone with:

• 10+ years of management consulting experience, gained largely in reputable consulting or transformation environments, with experience of operating at Senior Manager grade or equivalent.
• Deep expertise in Local Government, with a strong track record of leading transformational engagements.
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills, with the ability to simplify complexity and drive clarity.
• A proven track record of generating and converting business development opportunities.
• Experience leading, coaching and inspiring consultants, modelling inclusive and empowering leadership.
• A values‑led approach aligned to Gate One’s culture of empathy, grit, candour, humility, entrepreneurship and aspiration.

This role is based in our London office and candidates must have the full, unrestricted right to work in the UK. We offer flexible working and part‑time roles. Around 17% of our Principals currently work on part‑time contracts. Gate One are committed to an inclusive hiring process. All applications will be given fair consideration regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, age, faith, or social background. We welcome individuals from all educational backgrounds to apply. We encourage applications from underrepresented and minority groups and can provide reasonable adjustments where needed to ensure a fair and accessible process. Our goal is to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions of each team member.