At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social value initiatives and influence strategies for community impact.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated employer with a rich history in sustainable development.
- Benefits: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for growth and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment recognised for gender equality and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while shaping industry best practices.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of social value and excellent stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- Act 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.
Sound like you? 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 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
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Willmott Dixon Group!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Willmott Dixon Group that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Value Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Willmott Dixon Group. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Willmott Dixon Group.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Willmott Dixon Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Willmott Dixon Group resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Principal Social Value Manager position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
