Opportunities


Director, Private Office, Office of the Lord Mayor (Mansion House), City of London Corporation

Job title: Director, Private Office, Office of the Lord Mayor (Mansion House)

Location: Mansion House, London

Salary: £72,390 - £82,160 per annum

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK. We provide modern, efficient, and high-quality local services and policing for all who live, work, and visit the City. Our unique constitution, long history, and independent political voice enable us to promote the interests of people and organisations across London and the UK.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join us as the Director, Private Office. This pivotal role involves leading a team responsible for the Lord Mayor’s programme of activities, events, and engagements both in the UK and overseas. You will drive cultural change, employee engagement, service improvements, and efficiencies, while modernising and digitising existing practices.

As the Director, Private Office, you will oversee the planning and execution of the Lord Mayor’s domestic and international engagements, ensuring that each event aligns with the strategic goals of the City Corporation and the UK’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector. You will work closely with British Embassies, High Commissions, and foreign governments to facilitate the Lord Mayor’s overseas visits, representing the UK on the global stage.

In addition to managing the Lord Mayor’s engagements, you will also be responsible for the ceremonial activities and events hosted at the Mansion House. This includes major banquets, business meetings, and inward visits by Heads of State and Government. Your role will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the Mayoralty and the City Corporation.

Although there will be no overseas travel involved, due to the unique requirements of the role, standard working hours per week are 35, and this will vary during the year due to seasonal and weekly requirements.

The role is hybrid, employees are expected to spend at least 60% of their time in their work setting or office. However, the post holder will need to adapt to service needs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Private Office team, ensuring the Lord Mayor has all necessary support for engagements.
  • Develop and deliver a stakeholder engagement strategy to modernise perceptions and increase the visibility and impact of the Mayoralty.
  • Maintain and establish collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Government, businesses, and civic society.
  • Oversee the planning and delivery of the Lord Mayor’s ceremonial activities and international engagements.
  • Provide high-quality briefings and advice to senior officials and elected members.
  • Manage budgets and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

About You

We are looking for a candidate with significant experience in high-profile political environments and a proven ability to think strategically and deliver in a fast-paced operational setting. You should have a strong track record of driving cultural change, managing staff, and improving service delivery.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership skills, with the ability to engage and work effectively with senior leaders, politicians, and external partners. You should be a collaborative and personable individual, capable of building positive working relationships and motivating your team to achieve high standards.

Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as you will need to adapt your style to suit different audiences and provide clear, concise briefings on complex issues. Experience in event management and programme delivery is also crucial, as you will be responsible for overseeing a wide range of activities and ensuring their successful execution.

Rewards and Benefits

  • Competitive salary of £72,390 - £82,160 per annum.
  • 28 - 33 days of annual holiday plus Bank Holidays for a five-day basic working week. Subsequent increases to entitlement according to continuous length of service.
  • Generous pension contribution into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pension scheme. The current employer contribution rate for the City of London Corporation is 21%.
  • Access to a wide variety of benefits and discounts, including travel, education, health, arts, and retail.
  • Support for professional development and career progression.
  • A commitment to work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

For any queries, contact Ruth Hernandez Turner at ruth.hernandezturner@berwickpartners.co.uk or Marek Dobrowolski at marek.dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk.

The City of London Corporation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all individuals who share our vision of a greener and more sustainable future for London.

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