At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Portsmouth through strategic policy advice and collaboration.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a chance to influence local governance.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of decision-making and drive meaningful change for residents.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in policy and strategy.
Fixed term until 31st March 2028 due to Local Government Reorganisation.
If you're an experienced policy, strategy or partnership professional looking for a role where your expertise will genuinely shape the future of a city, this is an exceptional opportunity. Working at the heart of the council, you'll help deliver major strategic priorities while collaborating with senior leaders, partners and stakeholders across the region.
Your new role
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working at the heart of strategic decision-making and delivering meaningful change. As a Principal Strategy Adviser, you will provide expert policy advice and strategic support to senior leaders and elected Members, helping to shape priorities and inform key decisions. Working across the council and with a wide range of partners, you will lead or support research, policy development, governance and partnership activity, translating complex national policy and legislation into practical local action. Approximately half of your time will be dedicated to supporting Local Government Reorganisation activities, alongside either coordinating strategic programmes and partnerships or driving corporate performance, governance and improvement initiatives. You will build strong relationships across organisational boundaries, develop reports and recommendations for senior audiences, represent the council in partnership forums, and help secure positive outcomes for Portsmouth residents through effective collaboration, strategic planning and programme delivery.
Who is the person summary:
We're looking for an accomplished policy and strategy professional with a degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) and a strong understanding of local and national policy and its impact on local government. You'll have a proven track record of providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders, undertaking complex research and policy analysis, and developing successful funding bids and partnership initiatives. Confident working in politically sensitive environments, you'll be skilled at building relationships, influencing and negotiating with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected Members, senior leaders and external partners. With excellent communication skills, you'll be able to translate complex information into clear, evidence-based recommendations, manage competing priorities, facilitate productive discussions, and support informed decision-making in a fast-paced and high-profile setting.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Additional Information
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office minimum 2 days a week (pro rata for part time), this remains flexible, depending on the role and subject to business needs. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications. If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
Principal Strategy Adviser in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Strategy Adviser in Portsmouth
✨Tap into Corporate Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy workshops, seminars, and conferences. These events are golden opportunities for us to meet industry leaders and learn about emerging trends. You never know when a casual conversation could lead to a temporary role like the one at Portsmouth City Council!
✨Leverage Industry Networks
Join professional organisations and online communities focused on corporate strategy. Engage in discussions, ask for insights, and share your passion for the field. This visibility can help us get noticed by companies like Portsmouth City Council looking for fresh temp talent.
✨Utilise Temp Staffing Agencies
Don't overlook temp staffing agencies that specialise in corporate roles. They often have the inside scoop on short-term opportunities and can match us with companies needing our skills for specific projects.
✨Direct Applications at Portsmouth City Council
For a temporary role at Portsmouth City Council, let’s make a direct approach. Keep an eye on their careers page and apply through our website. Sometimes, going straight to the source gives us a better chance than getting lost in the job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Strategy Adviser in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In corporate strategy, showcasing your ability to analyse data and trends is crucial. Be sure to emphasise any relevant experiences or projects where you’ve demonstrated strong analytical thinking and strategic planning skills in your CV and cover letter.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Show Impact:Since this is a temporary role, it’s essential to convey how you can make a quick impact. In your cover letter, share specific examples of how your past contributions have led to measurable results in previous positions or internships. Shine a light on any projects you’ve worked on that required quick turnaround and decisive strategy.
Keep it Concise and Focused:For temporary roles, hiring managers often appreciate brevity. Make sure your CV is polished and to the point, focusing on your most relevant experiences and skills. Use bullet points to summarise your achievements and keep the layout clean—this helps us quickly see the value you bring.
Bring Your Portfolio of Ideas:Although portfolios aren't always standard in corporate strategy roles, if you have any case studies, strategy presentations, or innovative ideas, consider sharing them. You can include links in your application so we can easily review how you think and approach problems in the strategy space.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Strategy Tools
In corporate strategy, being familiar with frameworks like SWOT analysis, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five Forces is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've used these or similar tools to drive insights in your past projects—this shows you’re not just theoretical but can apply concepts in real scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Temp roles often focus on immediate impact, so be prepared to tackle case-based questions on the spot. Practice breaking down a business problem and proposing actionable strategies. Demonstrating your analytical thought process will go a long way with Portsmouth City Council.
✨Flexibility is Key
As a temporary hire, showing that you can adapt quickly is essential. Share examples from your experience where you’ve successfully jumped into a project or handled changing priorities. This helps highlight your suitability for the dynamic nature of a temp role.
✨Pitch Your Availability and Commitment
It’s vital to make it clear that you’re ready for the short-term commitment and can hit the ground running. Talk about your flexibility in hours and your eagerness to make a meaningful contribution to Portsmouth City Council even in a limited timeframe—this shows you're proactive and dedicated!
