At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape our Public Sector practice, driving impactful digital services.
- Company: Join Torchbox, a leading digital partner for the public sector and co-owner from day one.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, remote work options, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Enjoy epic socials, training budgets, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with diverse teams and awesome clients.
- Qualifications: Strong public sector experience, leadership skills, and a knack for building relationships.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Base salary range: £70,000 - £90,000. We’re looking for a Public Sector Director to shape the future of our growing Public Sector practice.
A bit about Torchbox: We build digital products for governments and the wider public sector, as well as international NGOs and universities. We're the creators of the open source Wagtail CMS, trusted by organisations including the NHS, NASA, and Google. Over the last nine years, we've grown into one of the UK's leading digital partners for the public sector. We work with organisations including the Office for National Statistics, The National Archives, GOV.IE and the National Institutes of Health, helping them design and deliver better digital services that make a meaningful difference to people's lives. Our diverse team of over 120 people is mostly UK-based, with colleagues in Manila and around the world. We're on a mission to set a new standard for a purpose-led business. As a 100% employee-owned company, everyone becomes a co-owner from day one, helping shape the future of Torchbox while sharing in our success. If you're excited by meaningful work, collaborative leadership and building something special, we'd love to hear from you.
What we're looking for: We're looking for a senior leader with strong experience in providing digital services to public sector organisations. We want you to shape and define how Torchbox partners with the public sector, grow our consulting capability, and help clients deliver better digital services that create meaningful impact. You might currently be a Practice Lead or Principal Consultant within a digital consultancy or agency. Equally, you may have built your career in government or the wider public sector before moving into consulting. We're particularly interested in people who've experienced both worlds and can bring that perspective to our clients and our team. You'll already have credibility within the public sector and be comfortable building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. Whether you've developed that through consulting, government, or a combination of both, you'll understand how to navigate complex organisations, influence decision‑makers and identify opportunities to create lasting impact. This is a hands‑on leadership role. You'll lead our Public Sector practitioners, helping them do their best work while taking responsibility for the health and growth of the practice, our client relationships, and the pipeline that sustains it. We know no one will tick every box, so we're open to different backgrounds. What matters most is your ability to bring people together, provide clear strategic direction, build trusted relationships and help us win meaningful work.
You will:
- Define, shape and continuously improve our public sector practice, keeping it aligned with both client needs and our commercial goals.
- Lead, support and empower a multidisciplinary team to do their best work.
- Drive the growth of the practice - identifying opportunities, shaping propositions, and leading pitches and proposals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the sector, staying ahead of changes in policy, regulation and funding.
- Serve as a public face of our public sector work - contributing to our thought leadership agenda, speaking at industry events, and maintaining a visible presence in the networks that matter.
- Be accountable for a high-quality client experience and outcome-focused delivery across the portfolio.
- Work with the CSO to monitor portfolio health, resourcing and financial projections, flagging risks early.
- Collaborate with our Innovation Team to help clients understand and respond to emerging opportunities in digital, data and AI, ensuring innovation is always grounded in real user and organisational needs.
- Lead agency-wide knowledge transfer of public sector ways of working, including the GOV.UK Service Standard and what it means for us.
- From time to time, get hands‑on with client-facing consultancy work where your skillset is the right fit.
What you'll bring:
- Sector credibility: an established reputation in the public sector, with strong relationships and a record of successful delivery.
- Commercial and sales experience: crafting strategies, winning proposals, and driving business development.
- Service Standard expertise: in-depth knowledge of the public sector Service Standard and confidence advising on it.
- Leadership: proven ability to lead teams, manage programmes and shape practice direction, fostering accountability and high performance.
- Multidisciplinary leadership: you don't need to be a specialist in every discipline, but you'll have enough understanding of research, design, engineering and delivery to bring multidisciplinary teams together and help clients make informed decisions.
- Influence and communication: excellent at articulating complex ideas, negotiating outcomes and building trust with senior stakeholders.
- Market awareness: skilled at reading market trends and client needs to inform strategy and adapt our services.
- Judgement under pressure: confident identifying and managing risk across a portfolio of work.
What we offer:
- Become a co-owner of Torchbox, shape our success and share in the reward.
- Work with awesome clients doing rewarding, purposeful work.
- Competitive salary + annual review + bonuses.
- Ethical pension scheme, with a 6% contribution from Torchbox.
- 27 days holiday, plus public holidays.
- Fully remote, hybrid, office full-time, whatever works for you.
- Training and conference budget to discover new ideas.
- Paid time off to volunteer for causes that matter to you.
- Health schemes and access to mental health support.
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme (UK only).
- Wellness programme and cycle-to-work scheme, alongside other lovely things that are good for you and the environment.
- Some pretty epic socials (virtual and in-person), weekly free veggie lunches in the office and a bunch of other cool stuff we'd love to tell you about.
The money bit: As an employee-owned company our remuneration is made up of two parts, your base salary £70,000 - £90,000 and your tax-free co-owner bonus of £3,600 which is prorated and paid quarterly. There is an additional profit share scheme.
The application process: The closing date for this role is Friday 21st August 2026. The application process will consist of 3 stages:
- Submit your CV and a covering letter demonstrating your expertise.
- 30-minute first-stage interview, we will ask you more about your previous work experience and skills. You'll also get a chance to learn more about Torchbox and the role.
- 90-minute panel stage interview with senior members of the Torchbox team. We will delve more into your experience and ask you some competency-based questions. During this stage, we'd like you to complete a presentation; we will send you details in advance.
Everyone is welcome: We're committed to being an inclusive employer, from recruitment to everyday life. If you need help or have questions, give us a shout: recruitment@torchbox.com. No agencies, please.
Public Sector Director employer: Torchbox Ltd
Torchbox is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to become a co-owner from day one, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success. With a commitment to meaningful work in the public sector, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and well-being. The fully remote and hybrid working options, alongside a focus on ethical practices and community engagement, make Torchbox a standout choice for those looking to make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Sector Director
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Torchbox Ltd, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Torchbox Ltd and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Torchbox Ltd and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Torchbox Ltd
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Torchbox Ltd, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Torchbox Ltd.
