Senior Strategic Advisor to Local Authorities - #1778409

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund

At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. Providing £27.8bn of capital and an expanded mandate, we are ready to help the market invest with confidence, continue to drive forward the Government's growth ambitions.

We are looking for skilled and results oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.

Job Purpose

HOW TO APPLY: We are delighted to be partnering with search experts, Korn Ferry, in the recruitment of this role. If you are would like to find out more and apply, please please submit the following documents to [email protected] by no later than midday on Monday 21st July:

• Your CV, with educational and professional qualifications and full employment history, including an explanation of any gaps in your employment history, and details where possible of budgets and numbers of people.
• A short covering statement of no more than two A4 sized pages (1000 words) explaining why this appointment interests you and how you can evidence your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria in the ‘Required Experience’ section of the Person Specification on Page 6.
• A diversity monitoring form. All applicants are invited to complete this information to assist the National Wealth Fund with monitoring its recruitment process. All data is reported in an anonymous and aggregate format and will not be seen by anyone assessing your application. This can be found here.
  
  

About The Role: We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic senior financier to serve as a trusted advisor to English Mayors and leads of UK city regions. Initially focused on the Strategic Partnerships with Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire and Glasgow, helping them identify and secure funding to achieve their economic, environmental, and social objectives. This role involves advising on financing strategies that leverage a mix of local authority powers, central government support, government financial institutions, and private sector capital.

Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Leeds office.

Role Accountabilities

• Advise elected mayors and CEOs of their Mayoral Strategic Authorities on optimal funding and financing solutions to accelerate delivery of their investment strategies including place-based development, regeneration, infrastructure, net zero, and growth projects.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders across HM Treasury, MHCLG, Office for Investment, British Business Bank, and other relevant bodies.
• Identify and structure innovative public-private financing models, including blended finance, municipal investment vehicles, and private finance – debt or equity.
• Support with the development of strategic investment plans that enable Mayoral Strategic Authorities to access funds from public and private sources.
• Guide local authorities in improving their financial readiness and investment frameworks to attract capital efficiently.
• Monitor and advise on regulatory, policy, and market developments relevant to place-based funding.
• Build and maintain relationships with key institutional investors, banks, and infrastructure funds with interest in UK regional projects.
• Support CEO/CFOs from Mayoral Strategic Authorities fostering knowledge transfer and long-term capacity building.
• Actively lead, manage, and build positive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to create future opportunities and enhance NWF’s reputation and credibility in the market.
• Interface in an open, constructive, and collaborative manner with colleagues across the Fund to share expert knowledge and experience, construct sector strategies, and assess the suitability of prospective deals to fulfil the NWF strategic mission.
• Demonstrate confidence and leadership qualities, ensuring that NWF is always represented in a positive and professional way.
• Support the Managing Director in the Local Authority Function and the Head of Banking with the development of NWF’s wider Local Authority strategy by sharing insights that could be applied more broadly.
• Encourage a culture of knowledge sharing and learning across the Fund to nurture future talent and proactively contribute to the Fund’s strategic objectives.
  
  

Essential

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Seniority, vision and confidence to build this new role, adding a significant dimension to the work of NWF.
• Senior-level experience in investment banking, public finance, infrastructure finance, or a related field.
• Experience advising public sector entities or local or combined authorities on funding strategies and capital markets access.
• Knowledge of UK government structures, local authority finance, and public-private funding mechanisms.
• Experience in originating and structuring large-scale infrastructure, housing, or regeneration deals.
• Ability to leverage the established NWF networks across government agencies, development finance institutions, and private capital markets.
• Proven strategic and commercial acumen with excellent communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Familiarity with barriers to regional growth, net zero, and devolution agendas in the UK context.
• Passion for supporting sustainable urban growth and development.
  
  

A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do.

We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience. Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.