At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a new Finance & Investment practice, shaping strategy and driving growth.
- Company: Join Palladium, a credible organisation focused on impactful finance and investment solutions.
- Benefits: Direct access to senior leadership and influence over strategic growth opportunities.
- Other info: Palladium values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance in development while making a real impact on global priorities.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in finance and investment, with a track record of winning work.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Palladium’s UKEA Partnership seeks a senior leader who can build, define offers, win first generation flagship work and form a high‑performing team around it. The role has full accountability for shaping the practice, growing a sustainable pipeline, and positioning Palladium as a leading partner in finance and investment for development. This includes direct responsibility for originating opportunities, engaging senior clients, converting priority deals, and building a team aligned to delivery and growth. The practice focuses on strengthening financial markets and systems, mobilising capital at scale across climate, nature, economic growth and health.
Why this role?
- A rare opportunity to build a new practice within an established and credible organisation
- Direct access to senior leadership and influence over UKEA strategy and growth
- A platform to shape how finance and investment is applied across major development priorities
- The ability to leverage Palladium’s existing client relationships and delivery track record while defining a new market position
- High visibility and impact across a priority growth area for the business
Finance & Investment Practice Scope
- Financial sector transformation and regulatory strengthening: How financial systems function and allocate capital
- Design of innovative financing facilities: Including blended finance vehicles, guarantees, catalytic funds, and results‑based mechanisms
- Capital mobilisation and market development: Including investor engagement, pipeline development, and market ecosystem building
- Investment climate and financial market reforms: Improving the conditions under which investors decide whether to invest
- Impact, ESG and sustainability design and reporting: Supporting credible impact frameworks aligned to climate, nature, and development goals
- Supporting governments to strengthen the fiscal and financial conditions needed to mobilise domestic and private capital
Location London office. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Reporting Lines
- The Practice Lead reports to the Managing Director, UKEA
- The role works closely with Palladium’s sectoral teams in climate, environment, economic growth and health
Primary Responsibilities
- Practice strategy and leadership
- Define and lead a clear strategic vision for the Finance & Investment Practice aligned with Palladium UKEA’s regional strategy and global priorities
- Translate the practice value proposition into credible, differentiated market offer
- Build on Palladium’s finance‑for‑nature leadership, positioning the practice at the intersection of financial system reform, climate finance, nature‑positive investment and impact, health and economic growth
- Contribute as a senior member of the UKEA team to wider organisational transformation and growth
- Take full ownership for originating, shaping and converting a pipeline of priority opportunities
- Build and maintain senior client relationships, including UK government, DFIs, MDBs and foundations
- Lead opportunity positioning, deal development and bid strategies for major programmes
- Be accountable for securing the first wave of anchor programmes for the practice
- Provide clear commercial leadership on pricing, partnerships and market entry
- Delivery oversight and quality assurance
- Provide senior oversight of the Finance & Investment portfolio
- Ensure strong delivery, financial performance, and client satisfaction
- Act as programme director for selected flagship programmes
- Team leadership and management
- Build and lead a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team aligned to the practice’s priorities
- Define team structure, roles and accountabilities
- Deploy internal and external expertise against priority opportunities and delivery
- Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, delivery excellence and wellbeing
- Market positioning and thought leadership
- Represent Palladium at senior external forums
- Drive thought leadership aligned to priority markets and clients
- Build Palladium’s visibility and credibility in finance and investment
Qualifications
- Senior leadership experience in finance, investment and financial systems reform, ideally within international development or public sector advisory
- Demonstrated track record of winning and converting work, not only contributing to bids
- Experience overseeing large, complex delivery programmes with multiple stakeholders
- Strong commercial judgment and ability to translate strategy into revenue
- Credibility with senior clients (e.g., government, DFIs, MDBs, donors)
- Able to operate effectively in high‑autonomy, early‑stage environments
- Proven people leaders with a focus on accountability and performance
- Experience working at the climate‑finance‑nature nexus
- Existing relationships with DFIs, MDBs, climate and nature finance initiatives
- Experience linking impact, ESG and financial performance frameworks
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include, but are not limited to, socio‑economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status. Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process (due to disability, neurodiversity, or for any other circumstance), please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.
Practice Lead, Finance and Investment (Build and Scale a New Practice) employer: Palladium
Palladium is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape a new Finance and Investment practice within a well-established organisation. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and personal growth, alongside direct access to senior leadership and the chance to influence impactful development strategies. Located in London, this role provides high visibility and the ability to engage with key stakeholders, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about driving sustainable change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Practice Lead, Finance and Investment (Build and Scale a New Practice)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Palladium. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Practice Lead, Finance and Investment (Build and Scale a New Practice)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Palladium.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Palladium's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Palladium
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Palladium.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Palladium will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Palladium employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
