Penna Executive Search

Join us and help build a thriving borough! Assistant Director - Affordable Workspace Salary up to £105,113 Islington is a vibrant and wonderfully diverse inner London borough, home to over 215,000 residents. We are determined to create a more equal Islington - a place where everyone has an equal chance to thrive. We are seeking bold, innovative leaders to help us deliver a more inclusive economy, redirecting wealth into the local economy and back into the hands of our people and businesses. Following a recent service reorganisation, we have created a new Assistant Director role to shape our Affordable Workspace offering to support economic policy and practice in one of London's most dynamic boroughs. There has never been a better time to join us. You will provide strategic leadership to drive the commercial strategy and operational excellence for our high-profile Affordable Workspace programme. Your work will blend commercial success with community impact, by enabling local small businesses to access high-quality spaces, and supporting residents to start and grow their own businesses. You will play a key role in: Negotiating and securing high-value partnerships with leading developers, landlords, and operators to shape a thriving workspace ecosystem. Overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects from inception to delivery, ensuring commercial viability and long-term sustainability. Designing and implementing a borough-wide Social Impact Strategy that sets new standards for inclusive growth and innovation. What we are looking for We want leaders who are: Strategic and visionary, with strong corporate leadership skills to improve outcomes for all residents. Collaborative, with a proven track record of delivering results through partnership. Governance-savvy, ensuring robust organisational performance. Innovative and solutions-focused, driving inclusive growth and economic transformation. Empowering, creating a culture where everyone can thrive. Committed to equality, delivering first-class services and ready to champion a more equal Islington. Join us and help shape a borough where opportunity is shared, and everyone can prosper. For a confidential discussion contact Bruna Varante at or Pete John at , or Mark Baldwinson, at . Role Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026

Join us and help build a thriving borough! Assistant Director - Inclusive Growth Salary up to £105,113 Islington is a vibrant and wonderfully diverse inner London borough, home to over 215,000 residents. We are determined to create a more equal Islington - a place where everyone has an equal chance to thrive. We are seeking bold, innovative leaders to help us deliver a more inclusive economy, redirecting wealth into the local economy and back into the hands of our people and businesses. Following a recent service reorganisation, we have created a new Assistant Director role to drive our Inclusive Growth and shape economic policy and practice in one of London's most dynamic boroughs. There has never been a better time to join us. In this pivotal role, you will drive forward Islington's strategic ambitions for local economic development, employment, and social impact. You will lead the delivery of the forthcoming Islington Inclusive Growth Plan, translating corporate priorities into tangible, high-impact programmes that promote prosperity, sustainability, and fairness for all residents. Your remit will include: Developing and implementing sector strategies across key clusters such as construction, care & health, the knowledge economy, and the green economy. Leading significant employment programmes that create pathways into good jobs and careers. Championing innovation and inclusive growth to ensure Islington remains at the forefront of progressive economic development. What we are looking for We want leaders who are: Strategic and visionary, with strong corporate leadership skills to improve outcomes for all residents. Collaborative, with a proven track record of delivering results through partnership. Governance-savvy, ensuring robust organisational performance. Innovative and solutions-focused, driving inclusive growth and economic transformation. Empowering, creating a culture where everyone can thrive. Committed to equality, delivering first-class services and ready to champion a more equal Islington. Join us and help shape a borough where opportunity is shared, and everyone can prosper. For a confidential discussion contact Pete John at , Bruna Varante at or or Mark Baldwinson, at . Role Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026