Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Interview date: Friday 16th October 2026

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Lead the transformation of one of the world's most iconic destinations.

Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC)

Reference Number OSDC/DCEO

Oxford Street is the nation’s high street and London’s shop window to the world. It is one of the UK’s greatest economic and cultural assets, supporting jobs, investment and opportunity across the capital and beyond.

The newly established Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) has been created to deliver an ambitious vision for its future: transforming the nation's high street into a cleaner, greener, safer and world-class destination for Londoners, businesses and visitors.

We are seeking an outstanding Deputy Chief Executive Officer to help lead this transformation at one of the most exciting moments in Oxford Street's history.

Working in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the strategy, performance and culture of the Corporation. As the principal internal leader of the organisation, you will ensure OSDC has the people, capabilities, partnerships and resources needed to deliver its ambitious programme while building the foundations for its long‑term success.

This is a role that combines strategic leadership with operational delivery. You will oversee corporate performance and major programmes, lead engagement across the Mayor's Office and wider public sector, and drive the Corporation's approach to commercial partnerships, investment, communications and stakeholder relationships. You will also deputise for the CEO and help represent OSDC at the highest levels across government, business and London's civic leadership.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished senior executive with experience of leading in complex, high-profile and publicly accountable environments. You will bring a strong track record of organisational leadership, strategic delivery and stakeholder management, together with the commercial acumen and political judgement required to operate effectively in a challenging and fast‑moving setting.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new organisation while leading the renewal of one of the world's most famous high streets. Success will require vision, resilience and collaboration, as well as the ability to unite diverse interests behind a shared ambition for Oxford Street's future.

For an exceptional leader, the opportunity is equally significant: to build an organisation with lasting impact, unlock new investment and partnerships, and help shape the economic, social and cultural future of a globally recognised destination for generations to come.

Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined below quoting Reference Number OSDC/DCEO

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

Substantial experience of operating at Chief Officer or equivalent senior executive level within a complex, multi‑stakeholder organisation operating in high‑profile, politically sensitive and publicly accountable environment.

Proven experience of leading and managing a significant organisational function, with responsibility for developing organisational performance, operational management and delivery of major strategic priorities.

Demonstrable experience of operating as part of a senior executive team, contributing to collective decision making, organisational strategy, risk management and the resolution of complex cross‑organisational issues.

Experience of commercial development, investment, fundraising, partnership building and income generation.

Experience of leading communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement or public affairs functions.

Significant experience of advising, influencing and working directly with Boards, elected representatives, and/or equivalent governance bodies, including operating within a publicly scrutinised environment.

Please Note, We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

Attached below the Full Job Description and Person Specification

Job Description

Job Title: Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Street Development Corporation

Grade: Spot Post No:

Directorate: Chief Executive’s Office

Job Purpose

To lead the day‑to‑day corporate leadership, management and performance of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), ensuring the organisation is equipped to deliver the ambitions of the Corporate Plan and the transformation of Oxford Street.

To serve as the principal internal leader of the Corporation, providing oversight and integration across corporate strategy, policy, governance, communications, marketing, fundraising, commercial partnerships, inward investment and place activation functions.

To lead the day‑to‑day coordination of OSDC’s relationship with the Mayor's Office and wider GLA family, ensuring effective alignment with Mayoral priorities and supporting the CEO in maintaining sernior strategic relationships across the GLA family.

To drive organisational performance, accountability and continuous improvement across all services, fostering a high‑performing, inclusive and delivery‑focused culture.

To deputise fully for the Chief Executive Officer as required, providing leadership, representation and decision‑making authority across the Corporation.

Principal accountabilities

Supporting the Strategic Leadership of OSDC

Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer to provide cohesive leadership of the Corporation and delivery of the Mayor's vision for Oxford Street.

Translate strategic objectives into clear organisational priorities, plans and performance outcomes.

Provide leadership and coordination across Executive functions to ensure delivery of corporate objectives and effective cross‑functional working.

Act as Deputy to the CEO and lead the organisation in the CEO's absence.

Corporate Delivery

Lead the integration and corporate oversight of OSDC’s major programmes and priorities, ensuring that organisational activity is aligned behind the successful delivery of the Oxford Street transformation and wider business plan.

Drive effective cross‑functional working, identify and manage key dependencies, and intervene to resolve barriers or issues that could impact delivery.

Provide the CEO, Executive Committee and Board with clear assurance and insight on the delivery of corporate priorities, major programmes and strategic outcomes.

Organisational Leadership and Performance

Lead the internal management and operational performance of the Corporation, ensuring delivery against corporate objectives, budgets and key performance indicators.

Establish and maintain a high‑performance culture characterised by accountability, pace, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Oversee organisational performance monitoring and reporting arrangements, ensuring risks, issues and opportunities are identified and proactively managed.

Provide visible leadership to staff and contribute to the development of an inclusive, engaged and values‑led organisational culture.

Strategy, Policy and Governance

Oversee the development and implementation of OSDC's strategy, business planning and policy framework.

Working alongside the Chief Finance Officer, ensure effective corporate governance arrangements are maintained and that the Corporation operates to the highest standards of transparency, accountability and public service excellence.

Support the Board and Executive Committee through the provision of high‑quality advice, performance reporting and strategic insight.

Lead organisational responses to emerging policy, political and stakeholder issues affecting the Corporation.

Mayoral and Government Relations

Act as the Corporation's principal day‑to‑day relationship lead with the Mayor's Office and wider GLA family, supporting the delivery of Mayoral priorities and ensuring effective coordination of key business matters.

Build and maintain productive working relationships across the GLA Group, government departments, local authorities and strategic partners.

Provide politically aware advice to the CEO, Board and Executive Team on issues affecting the Corporation and its objectives.

Commercial, Investment and Partnerships

Lead the development and delivery of the Corporation's commercial strategy, ensuring the identification and realisation of opportunities that support the long‑term sustainability and success of Oxford Street.

Oversee commercial partnerships, sponsorship, fundraising and investment activities, securing resources and strategic relationships that contribute to organisational objectives.

Promote a commercially minded culture across the organisation, balancing public value with financial sustainability.

Support the development of Oxford Street as a globally competitive retail, hospitality, leisure and visitor destination.

Communications, Marketing and Activation

Lead the Corporation’s approach to communications, marketing, destination promotion and activation, ensuring these functions collectively strengthen Oxford Street’s reputation.

Oversee stakeholder engagement, consultation and advocacy programmes to strengthen support for OSDC's work.

Ensure consistent and effective organisational messaging, reputation management and external communications.

Support the CEO in positioning Oxford Street as a leading global destination for investment, culture and innovation.

Leadership and People

Promote an organisational culture that reflects OSDC's values and commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality.

Coach, support and develop senior leaders, building organisational capability and succession resilience.

Champion staff engagement, wellbeing and organisational development initiatives.

Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous learning across the organisation.

Key contacts:

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

Accountable for:

Strategy, Policy and Governance

Communications, Marketing and Events

Commercial Partnerships

Fundraising

Economy, Culture and Investment

Technical Requirements/experience/qualifications

Substantial experience of operating at Chief Officer or equivalent senior executive level within a complex, multi‑stakeholder organisation operating in high‑profile, politically sensitive and publicly accountable environment.

Proven experience of leading and managing a significant organisational function, with responsibility for developing organisational performance, operational management and delivery of major strategic priorities. .

Demonstrable experience of operating as part of a senior executive team, contributing to collective decision making, organisational strategy, risk managament and the resolution of complex cross‑organisational issues.

Experience of commercial development, investment, fundraising, partnership building and income generation.

Experience of leading communications, marketing, stakeholder engagement or public affairs functions.

Significant experience of advising, influencing and working directly with Boards, elected representatives, and/or equivalent governance bodies, including operating within a publicly scrutinised environment.

Skills and abilities

Outstanding leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to build confidence and credibility across a broad range of stakeholders.

Strong strategic thinking and organisational planning capability.

Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational delivery and performance management.

Excellent political awareness, judgement and decision‑making skills.

Highly developed communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and evolving environment.

Strong commercial acumen combined with a commitment to public value.

Personal style and behaviour

Visible, authentic and inclusive leader.

Collaborative and team‑oriented, with a strong commitment to collective leadership.

Highly resilient, adaptable and comfortable operating in ambiguous environments.

Personally credible, politically astute and emotionally intelligent.

Demonstrates integrity, accountability and sound judgement.

Champions diversity, inclusion and equality in both organisational culture and external delivery.

• Reasonable adjustment : Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.