Commercial Manager - Affordable Workspace

Help shape a fairer local economy – and make it work commercially. In Islington, we believe good places to work can change lives. From small creative studios to community‑led social enterprises, affordable workspace plays a vital role in helping local businesses grow, supporting jobs, and keeping our borough diverse and vibrant. We’re now looking for an Affordable Workspace Commercial Manager who can roll up their sleeves and make this happen. This is a role for someone who combines strong commercial property expertise with a genuine commitment to social value – someone who enjoys being close to the detail, confident in negotiations, and motivated by delivering tangible benefits for Islington residents.

This is not a purely leadership‑only post. You’ll be directly involved in managing agreements, solving problems with operators, shaping deals, and making sure our affordable workspace programme delivers both financial resilience and social impact.

What you’ll be doing:

• Working with the Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace and the wider AWS team, you’ll play a key role in keeping our affordable workspace programme commercially robust and socially impactful – taking day‑to‑day responsibility for a portfolio of affordable workspace agreements, ensuring operators deliver what they’ve committed to, from rent levels to social value outcomes.
• Leading on commercial negotiations with developers and workspace providers, balancing strong financial terms with meaningful benefits for local communities.
• Getting directly involved in leasing, concession agreements and operator appointments – from shaping the commercial model through to managing live arrangements.
• Putting clear, practical contract management processes in place and making sure they actually work in practice, not just on paper.
• Monitoring performance closely, spotting issues early, and stepping in to resolve risks around cost, delivery or social value.
• Acting as a trusted commercial and property advisor, supporting planning discussions, business cases and investment decisions.
• Keeping a close eye on the market – understanding trends, pressures and opportunities so our workspace offer stays relevant and competitive.
• Working hands‑on with internal colleagues, external operators and community partners to keep everything moving and aligned.

What we’re looking for:

• You’ll be a commercially astute property professional who enjoys getting into the detail and making things happen.
• You’re as comfortable negotiating terms as you are challenging under‑performance – and you care deeply about using your skills to make a positive difference.
• A strong professional background in commercial property, (RICS or equivalent).
• Proven experience negotiating and managing leases, concessions or similar commercial arrangements – not just overseeing others.
• Confidence working in complex, politically aware environments, with the judgement to balance commercial risk and public value.
• A solid grasp of contract management, landlord and tenant obligations, and procurement processes.
• Sharp commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to test assumptions, manage risk and maximise value for money.
• Experience working with external operators, consultants and community‑based organisations.
• The ability to turn contracts and frameworks into real‑world delivery – following through, tracking performance and resolving issues.
• Strong communication skills and the credibility to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Motivation by impact: you’ll care about inclusive growth, social value and ensuring local people and businesses benefit – not as an add‑on, but as a core part of commercial success.

Our Offer to You:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work‑life balance, as well as a 35‑hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff 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!

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve.

We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks:

• Proof of address.
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable).
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

Safeguarding:

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme:

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.