Lead Strategy Advisor

WORKING HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm

COMPENSATION: Salary based on experience, with an annual bonus potential

WORK LOCATION: Hybrid arrangement with opportunities for remote work

REPORTING TO: Associate Director

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Sewell Group is a diverse collective of enterprises operating throughout the North of England. Established in 1876, this family-run business has a rich heritage. In addition to its retail segment, which includes numerous fuel and convenience outlets, Sewell Estates encompasses a variety of built environment firms, including Sewell Investments, Sewell Construction, Sewell Facilities Management, Illingworth and Gregory, Community Ventures, and Shared Agenda.

Central to the company's vision and strategy is the commitment to deliver value to the communities it serves. This involves creating job opportunities for local residents, investing in talent development, and contributing to the regional economy through local supply chain engagement.

Sewell is dedicated to fostering, training, and rewarding its workforce. In return, the company expects its employees to demonstrate hard work, embody company values, and enjoy their work experience. The culture at Sewell is defined by core principles of being Positive, Professional, Customer-Focused, Team-Oriented, and Always Doing the Right Thing.

In 2021, the Group received recognition as one of only 18 businesses nationwide in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity, the highest honor for UK businesses. Additionally, Sewell has been featured in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list multiple times, including a Top 50 ranking in 2022.

Community Ventures is on the lookout for skilled professionals to enhance its team. We specialize in healthcare strategy, strategic estates consulting, business case development, and program/project management solutions for a diverse clientele across the UK. Our team is also responsible for managing a significant health and social care portfolio.

ROLE SUMMARY

This position offers an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their careers or embrace new challenges as a key member of a growing team.

Community Ventures aims to be the preferred consulting partner for our clients, striving for excellence in our advisory services and solutions, thereby delivering long-term value to public services.

Our current projects encompass local, regional, and national advisory roles across all facets of the health sector, including primary, community, acute, and mental health services, as well as support for local authorities and other public sector entities.

We seek a candidate who is eager to tackle the complexities of this role and enjoys the challenge of creatively addressing our clients' estate-related issues.

You will primarily serve as the lead advisor on some of our most intricate projects, guiding the direction and managing a delivery team, while also being accountable for producing high-quality outputs.

In return, we provide a progressive role within an innovative company where our employees are empowered to identify and pursue their own career opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC ESTATES CONSULTING

• Lead commissions, offering strategic advice to clients and partners as necessary (e.g., options appraisals, feasibility assessments, estate strategies, business case development, workshop facilitation, space utilization studies, and other research), either independently, as part of a broader team, or in collaboration with external advisors.
• Engage with external clients and stakeholders to generate new strategic estates opportunities in alignment with the business plan, collaborating with colleagues, partners, and shareholders.
• Select supply chain partners and advisors to support project delivery.
• Effectively lead multidisciplinary teams, both internally and externally.
• Represent Community Ventures professionally at external meetings and events.
• Manage commissions, overseeing workloads, deadlines, and commercial performance.
• Provide line management for junior and graduate consultants.

CLIENT RELATIONS

• A significant aspect of this role involves client interaction, acting as the lead consultant on strategic advice commissions, presenting our offerings to clients, and ensuring timely and quality delivery.
• Promote and maintain a professional personal and company brand in all interactions.
• Develop and nurture successful relationships with colleagues and the supply chain.
• Listen to and understand client needs while fostering new client relationships.
• Ensure a working environment prioritizes complete client satisfaction.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Assist in producing board reports and performance reports aligned with business plan KPIs.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in tools, processes, and systems.
• Understand and mitigate risks to the business.
• Support Community Ventures in pursuing new opportunities and business development as needed, including preparing fee proposals and bid support for potential commissions and clients.
• Provide information to assist the Director and Associate Directors with workload planning and forecasting.
• Lead strategic internal projects that align with your skills and expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will exhibit a courteous and approachable demeanor, demonstrating energy, initiative, professionalism, commitment, and a strong team spirit. The following qualifications are essential:

ESSENTIAL

• A formal degree qualification or 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in preparing estate strategies and business cases in accordance with HM Treasury Green Book guidance.
• Experience in public sector, health, social care, local authority, or education sectors.
• General project management experience.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while directing the work of teams or individuals.
• Resilience and credibility to engage with a diverse range of local and regional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills to build positive relationships and respectfully challenge alternative viewpoints.
• Ability to lead a team in a dynamic environment while also managing individual workloads independently.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Proficiency in new technology and software.
• Good decision-making abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Effective time management skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality requirements.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to implement improved working methods.
• A valid UK driving license and access to transport.

DESIRABLE

• Experience in healthcare service planning or service change programs.
• Healthcare planning and strategy experience.
• Formal qualification in Better Business Cases.
• Membership in a relevant professional body.
• Understanding of current national healthcare policies and strategic objectives.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as LIFT, PFI, or Procure 22.

Community Ventures is an equal opportunity employer, adhering to the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunity in our employment practices and service delivery.

As a responsible employer, an enhanced DBS (criminal record) check will be required for the successful candidate.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Salary based on experience.
• Annual bonus potential.
• 25 days of annual leave (plus Bank Holidays), increasing with length of service to 30 days.
• Co-ownership opportunities within Sewell Estates.
• Auto-enrollment pension scheme.
• Staff discounts and retail discount schemes.
• Bike-to-work scheme.
• Technology scheme.
• Paid parental leave and sick leave.
• Access to the Coyle Health Gym.