Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery in Edinburgh
Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery

Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 75000 - 117800 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Government Recruitment Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the UK Pavilion strategy for Expo 2030, ensuring impactful visitor experiences.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of international events.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape global perceptions.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse teams and make a global impact.
  • Why this job: Be part of a historic event showcasing the UK's innovation and culture.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in strategic project management.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 ÂŁ per year.

About the Project

DBT is leading preparations for the UK’s participation at Expo 2030 Riyadh, taking place from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031. World Expos are major global events - with an expected 42 million visitors and 197 participating countries, Expo 2030 will be a major moment for the UK’s presence on the world stage and an opportunity to highlight the importance of the bilateral relationship between the UK and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Designed to appeal to diverse audiences, including diplomatic partners, businesses, and the visiting public, the UK Pavilion at Expo 2030 will provide an immersive experience that allows visitors to engage with the UK in a dynamic and memorable way. Every aspect - from the architecture and landscape, through to the interiors, visitor experience, and programme of public and VIP events - will be designed to show the best of the UK.

This is an exciting and challenging role, providing senior leadership and strategic direction to ensure the UK has an impactful presence at World Expo 2030. Leading a multi-disciplinary team, the role integrates strategy, UK Pavilion design, build and operations oversight, commercial negotiations and supplier management and the development of private sector partnerships into a unified vision that advances HMG priorities, strengthens the UK–KSA relationship through our presence at Expo, and delivers an exceptional visitor and stakeholder experience.

This role is critical to the success of the Project – delivering a brilliant visitor experience at the UK Pavilion on time, on budget, and fully staffed.

The ideal candidate is a solutions-focused problem solver who will lead on strategic stakeholder engagement, procurement strategy and commercial delivery, operational planning, communications, private sector investment and supplier management to broker delivery at pace. Working with the Project SRO, you will be expected to clearly communicate and oversee the creative direction of the UK Pavilion visitor experience and events programme, ensuring its join up with the UK’s strategy and messaging, together with the design, build and operational planning of the UK Pavilion itself. The successful candidate will be able to direct a team to ensure efficient completion of milestones on the Project’s critical path for “Day 1” opening in October 2030. The candidate will be expected to demonstrate and promote civil service values across the team.

Strategic Leadership and Programme Direction

  • Working with the SRO, set the overarching strategic direction for the UK Presence at Expo 2030, ensuring all workstreams operate to a shared narrative, strategic objectives, and four-year delivery plan.
  • Provide senior leadership across strategy, creative design, pavilion design and build, operations, private sector partnerships, supplier management and communications ensuring coherence, ambition, and high standards across the UK programme.
  • Provide strategic oversight and advice to the Project SRO; leading on resolving key strategic issues where required.

Governance, Performance, Assurance and Financial Oversight

  • Oversee strategic, financial and delivery governance frameworks, ensuring robust decision making and performance management.
  • Ensure commercial strategy, procurement activity and supplier performance management drive best value.
  • Support the SRO in overseeing business case development and financial scrutiny across multi-million-pound budgets.

Leadership and People

  • Provide strong and visible leadership as a key member of the programme Senior Leadership Team.
  • Line manage at least three G6 workstream leads and champion capability-building across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Lead workforce planning for a team that will scale over the Expo lifecycle.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, psychological safety, and high performance.
  • Drive delivery by developing, inspiring, engaging and motivating a diverse team.

Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery in Edinburgh employer: Government Recruitment Service

As a Deputy Director at DBT, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to showcasing the UK's strengths on a global stage at Expo 2030 in Riyadh. The role offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your leadership will directly impact the success of a high-profile international event. With a focus on strategic direction and stakeholder engagement, you'll enjoy a rewarding experience that not only enhances your career but also strengthens vital international relationships.
Government Recruitment Service

Contact Detail:

Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery in Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals, especially around Expo 2030, and think about how your skills can contribute to their success. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role of Deputy Director. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make your dream job a reality!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery in Edinburgh

Strategic Leadership
Programme Direction
Stakeholder Engagement
Procurement Strategy
Commercial Delivery
Operational Planning
Supplier Management
Project Management
Financial Oversight
Governance Frameworks
Team Leadership
Capability Building
Collaboration
Innovation
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Project: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the UK Pavilion and Expo 2030 shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a memorable impact on visitors and showcasing the UK's strengths.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role's requirements. We’re looking for solutions-focused problem solvers, so share examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex projects in the past.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're the right fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service

✨Know Your Expo 2030 Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of Expo 2030 and the UK's role in it. Familiarise yourself with the strategic objectives, the expected visitor experience, and how the UK Pavilion will stand out. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your skills align with their vision.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, or navigated stakeholder relationships. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Strategic Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or resolve conflicts. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes of your actions, showcasing your solutions-focused mindset.

✨Align with Civil Service Values

Familiarise yourself with the civil service values and be prepared to discuss how you embody these principles in your work. Whether it's integrity, honesty, or respect, having concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these values will resonate well with the interview panel and show you're a good fit for the team.

Deputy Director, UK Presence Strategy and Pavilion Delivery in Edinburgh
Government Recruitment Service
Location: Edinburgh

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