At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social value initiatives and influence future strategies for community impact.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a leader in sustainable development with a rich history.
- Benefits: Be part of a top-rated workplace with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a supportive environment with a commitment to social responsibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by enhancing community value and driving impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Strong social value knowledge and excellent stakeholder management skills required.
Willmott Dixon is seeking an experienced Principal Social Value Manager to join our central Social Value team on a 12 month fixed-term basis to provide maternity cover. Social Value has always been part of who we are. Going forward we have ambitious plans to elevate its role even further, strengthening customer outcomes and creating greater value for the communities where we work.
Working with the Head of Social Value and senior leaders in the business, you will help influence our future approach, ensure we remain at the forefront of industry best practice and support the integration of social value into how we win work, deliver projects and demonstrate impact. We are looking for someone who combines strong technical social value knowledge, stakeholder management and people leadership. You will influence colleagues outside your reporting line, create clarity around complex requirements and bring teams together around shared objectives.
You will lead key social value programmes and projects that support our ambitions for growth, customer value and community impact. Provide expert advice on emerging policy, customer requirements and industry developments. Ensure our teams have tools and support needed to deliver, report and measure social value outcomes consistently. Maintain and strengthen our social value measurement methodology, including the TOMs and other relevant approaches. Build effective relationships with customers, frameworks, colleagues and specialist external partners. Acting as business owner for our social value system, ensuring it meets strategic, operational and reporting needs. Lead and develop the Social Value Manager, while acting as a senior source of technical support across the business.
Essential Criteria
- Excellent knowledge of social value, including the relevant legal and policy framework.
- Detailed knowledge of social value measurement methodologies, including the TOMs or comparable approaches.
- Excellent stakeholder-management skills, with a strong record of influencing senior colleagues and project teams outside your reporting line.
- Experience of translating technical, legal, customer or policy requirements into practical processes and guidance.
- Strong project and programme-management skills, with experience of leading complex work across teams or functions.
- The ability to combine technical rigour with practical implementation.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in construction, the built environment or another complex operational sector.
- Experience of supporting bids, frameworks or customer propositions.
- Knowledge of social value systems, reporting and evidence assurance.
- Experience of developing policies, standards, guidance or organisational capability.
If you combine social value expertise with strong leadership and the ability to influence across a complex business, we would like to hear from you. Join us and help Willmott Dixon use social value as a credible differentiator, while giving our teams the clarity and support to deliver meaningful, measurable impact.
About Us
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability have enabled us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 'Big' Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of Sustainable Development.
Principal Social Value Manager in Letchworth Garden City employer: Willmott Dixon Group
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our Fit Out team provides opportunities to influence high-quality bids while working alongside industry leaders. Our recognition as one of the Top 10 'Big' Companies to Work For and our focus on sustainability make us a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Value Manager in Letchworth Garden City
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Willmott Dixon Group, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Value Manager in Letchworth Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Willmott Dixon Group. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Willmott Dixon Group. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Willmott Dixon Group.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Principal Social Value Manager role at Willmott Dixon Group, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Willmott Dixon Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
