At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic transformation of culture and leisure services across Richmond and Wandsworth.
- Company: Join Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, committed to community wellbeing and equity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Shape the cultural and social fabric of communities while driving real change.
- Qualifications: Strong track record in strategic asset management and public sector governance.
- Other info: Dynamic senior team with hybrid working and a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 83136 - 98913 £ per year.
Job Title: Head of Assets and Commercial Strategy
Salary Range: £83,136- £98,913 pa
Permanent
Full Time
Location: Wandsworth Town Hall, SW18 2PU, London
Shape the future of culture, leisure and public assets across two dynamic London boroughs
We\’re looking for a bold and strategic leader to join us in a high-impact role at the heart of Richmond and Wandsworth Councils\’ vision for culture and leisure. As Head of Assets and Commercial Strategy, you\’ll lead an ambitious agenda to unlock the full potential of our parks, libraries, leisure centres, community venues and cultural spaces.
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Culture and Leisure, you\’ll provide senior leadership across commercial strategy, asset management, capital investment and partnership development – delivering real-world impact for communities while ensuring financial sustainability.
With a £70m+ capital programme in motion and a growing portfolio of high-value partnerships, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the cultural infrastructure and community assets that make our boroughs vibrant, inclusive and future-ready.
About the role
- Strategic transformation of culture and leisure services across both boroughs, aligned with Council priorities including public health, climate action and community empowerment.
- Commercial strategy & income generation – designing and negotiating innovative commercial agreements to drive value and impact.
- Asset management & procurement, overseeing leases, licences, community use agreements and contracts across a broad and complex portfolio.
- Capital programme delivery, leading a £70m+ investment programme to enhance public spaces and improve long-term financial outcomes.
- Long-term asset strategy, ensuring our property and land deliver both community benefit and commercial return.
- Leadership of diverse teams, building a high-performance culture grounded in inclusion, integrity and innovation.
- Financial planning & resource optimisation, ensuring services and projects are delivered efficiently and transparently.
- Strategic planning & compliance, embedding robust systems for risk management, governance and legislative adherence.
- Partnership development, engaging stakeholders across sectors to co-create services and deliver shared outcomes.
- Performance monitoring & reporting, providing assurance and insight to senior officers, Cabinet and key stakeholders.
About you
- A strong track record in strategic asset management, commercial development, or capital programme leadership.
- Deep understanding of public sector governance and political environments, ideally within local government.
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Proven experience of delivering complex, high-value programmes and managing diverse stakeholder relationships including with the Community and Voluntary Sector.
- Passion for culture, leisure and public services – and the role they play in community wellbeing and equity.
Why join us?
Richmond and Wandsworth are ambitious, well-connected boroughs with a shared vision for excellence in public service. This role offers the opportunity to shape the cultural and social fabric of our communities – while working at the intersection of policy, place, and people.
You\’ll join a dynamic and supportive senior team with hybrid working, flexible benefits, and the chance to lead real change on a borough-wide scale.
Ready to lead with purpose?
Apply now and help us redefine how councils can deliver for communities through innovation, partnerships, and visionary asset strategy.
Closing Date: Sunday 26th October (midnight)Shortlisting Date: W/C 27th OctoberInterview Date: 7th November (face to face interview and presentation)
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone.
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
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Head of Assets and Commercial Strategy employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Assets and Commercial Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils' current projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a real impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for culture and leisure services clearly and confidently. We want to hear how you plan to lead and innovate in this space.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Assets and Commercial Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Assets and Commercial Strategy role. Highlight your strategic leadership and asset management experience, as these are key to making a strong impression.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for culture, leisure, and public services shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to enhance community wellbeing and equity across Richmond and Wandsworth.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and ensure that your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly grasp your suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the strategic asset management and commercial development landscape. Brush up on recent trends in public sector governance, especially within local government, as this will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your collaborative and inclusive leadership style. Think of specific examples where you've influenced stakeholders at various levels and how you've built high-performance teams. This is crucial for a role that requires leading diverse teams and managing complex relationships.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect to tackle questions about delivering complex, high-value programmes. Prepare case studies or examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage diverse stakeholder relationships and achieve successful outcomes in community-focused projects.
✨Passion for Community Impact
Express your passion for culture, leisure, and public services. Be ready to discuss how these areas contribute to community wellbeing and equity. This will resonate well with the interviewers, as they are looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in the boroughs.