At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the South London Partnership to drive inclusive growth and improve connectivity across five boroughs.
- Company: Dynamic partnership focused on collaboration and impactful outcomes for local communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working, strong support from local leaders, and a chance to shape the future of South London.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming South London and making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
South London is a place of real ambition and remarkable scale. Five boroughs, Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton, home to more than 1.2 million people and an economy generating over £38 billion in GVA. Individually, each borough is distinctive. Together, through the South London Partnership, they are a force: a cross‑party collaboration with a growing track record of securing investment, shaping policy and delivering real outcomes for residents and businesses. This is your opportunity to lead it.
The South London Partnership is, by design, 'of the boroughs, for the boroughs.' It exists to do the things that make strategic sense to do together: driving inclusive and sustainable growth, coordinating health and care collaboration across the sub‑region, supporting residents into jobs and skills, improving connectivity and building the digital and transport infrastructure South London needs. Its BIG Ambition, South London Growth, sets out a shared roadmap to 2035, aligned with the London Growth Plan and making a compelling case for government support and devolution. A new SLP Transport Strategy is about to be published. What’s needed now is the leader to drive it forward.
As Director, you will work directly with the Leaders and Chief Executives of all five boroughs, shaping the Partnership’s priorities in the wake of the recent local elections and turning collective ambition into delivery. You’ll lead a talented core team overseeing a £25 m portfolio of funded programmes spanning economic growth, employment and skills, health, digital inclusion, transport and climate. And you’ll be South London’s voice beyond its boundaries with government departments, the Mayor of London and the GLA, London Councils, the Integrated Care System, universities, colleges and business, ensuring the sub‑region’s challenges and opportunities are understood, and that its case for investment lands.
This is a genuinely unique role in London local government. It demands a self‑starter: someone comfortable with ambiguity, energised by an environment where no two days are the same, and able to move fluidly between strategy and delivery, politics and partnership. You’ll bring excellent political acumen and judgement, a deep understanding of London and national government, and a proven record of leading large‑scale programmes involving multiple stakeholders with differing priorities. Above all, you’ll know how to build and nurture relationships and how to lead a partnership that serves all of its members equally.
In return, you’ll inherit a partnership with momentum, political and officer‑level support, and a strong track record of delivery and influence. You’ll have the freedom to identify new areas of collaboration and shape the strategic direction of the sub‑region for years to come. Hosted by Richmond Council, you’ll work flexibly and visibly across all five boroughs, with the backing of five Chief Executives who are invested, as equal stakeholders, in your success.
If you believe in what local government can achieve when it works together, and you have the leadership, credibility and drive to make it happen, we want to hear from you. The South London Partnership boroughs are committed to diversity and inclusion in leadership, and we actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 16th August
To apply, please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Applications should include: Full contact details; Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; Details of your notice period; Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.
At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals.
Director - South London Partnership employer: Tile Hill Executive Recruitment
The South London Partnership is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead collaborative initiatives across five diverse boroughs, driving inclusive growth and impactful change. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and the flexibility to work across various locations, you will be empowered to shape the future of South London while making a meaningful difference in the community. Join us in a role that not only values your leadership but also fosters diversity and inclusion at every level.
Contact Details:
Tile Hill Executive Recruitment Recruitment Team
