Future Places Fund - Independent Investment Adviser (x2)

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is establishing the ambitious Future Places Fund, a £500 million investment vehicle designed to unlock housing delivery, regeneration and sustainable economic growth across the region.

To support this agenda, we are seeking an experienced Independent Investment Adviser with deep expertise in investment, finance, fund management and risk oversight. Reporting to the Director of Finance, Investments & Commercial (Section 73 Officer), this appointment will provide independent scrutiny and challenge to investment proposals before recommendations are made through the Authority's governance framework. The role offers a unique opportunity to influence significant public investment while maintaining complete independence from investment decision-making.

You will review complex investment opportunities, assess financial structures, challenge commercial assumptions and scrutinise risk, return and value-for-money considerations. Working alongside senior leaders from across the constituent authorities, you will help ensure the Fund delivers robust, transparent and accountable investment outcomes.

We are looking for an individual with substantial senior-level experience gained within investment management, fund management, banking, institutional investment, development finance, private equity, infrastructure finance or a comparable environment. You will bring a proven track record in investment appraisal, due diligence, transaction structuring and portfolio oversight, together with board, investment committee or fund governance experience.

Strong analytical skills, commercial judgement, independence and integrity are essential, alongside the ability to provide constructive challenge to senior decision-makers. Experience of place-based investment, regeneration funds or public sector investment programmes would be advantageous.

This appointment offers a rare opportunity to contribute strategic insight and independent challenge to some of the region's most significant development and regeneration opportunities. Working alongside senior local authority representatives and investment specialists, you will provide expert scrutiny of proposals and help ensure investments deliver meaningful economic, social and place-based outcomes.

You will assess the deliverability of major housing and regeneration schemes, challenge development assumptions, review delivery models and partnership arrangements, and provide guidance on the wider strategic benefits of proposed investments. You will also support consideration of portfolio performance, emerging opportunities and evolving approaches to place-based investment.

We are looking for a respected leader with substantial senior-level experience in housing, regeneration, development, infrastructure or related sectors. You will have a strong track record of delivering complex place-based programmes through public and private sector partnerships and possess expertise in regeneration funding, development viability, land assembly and infrastructure-enabled growth. Board, programme governance or investment panel experience is highly desirable.

You will bring excellent judgement, strong communication skills and the ability to offer robust but constructive challenge while maintaining independence and objectivity. Experience with strategic growth programmes, urban regeneration or combined authorities would be particularly valuable.

For both roles:

• Remuneration: £25,000 per annum
• Commitment: Approximately two days per month
• Term: Three-year appointment, renewable subject to review

The closing date is Wednesday 02 December 2026. The selection process will include a remote, technical interview as a first stage. We are planning the final, panel interviews at our offices at 70 Redcliffe St, Bristol BS1 6AL on Friday 11 and Monday 14 December.

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station. Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals.
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.