Senior Manager

Communities & Skills

Collaborative, open, inclusive and fair - we work with and through partners to ensure Londoners can shape healthy, empowered and productive lives. Communities and Skills is led by Executive Director, Tunde Olayinka and is comprised of the following units: Civil Society & Sport, Communities & Social Policy, Group Public Health Unit, Skills and Employment and Health, Children and Young Londoners.

 

About the team

 

Shape a healthier future for all Londoners. Lead bold change. Change lives.

 

At the Greater London Authority (GLA), we are passionate about creating a city where everyone — no matter who they are or where they come from — can thrive. We know that health inequalities cut lives short and hold communities back. We're determined to tackle them head-on — and we need an exceptional leader to support this mission. 

 

About the Role

 

We’re looking for a dynamic, experienced leader to take forward a range of health policy work including, londons  Health Inequalities Strategy , mental health and health and work. The role includes a varied and interesting portfolio of work and lots of great opportunities for learning and development.

This is a senior leadership role where agility, strategic thinking and collaboration are key. One day you might be leading work on reducing health inequalities; the next, shaping policy on mental health, health and care reforms and then to work and health.

You’ll work closely with Senior Leaders across the GLA , NHS and london boroughs, along with CVS sector to deliver high-impact policy and projects that make a real difference to Londoners' lives.

You’ll also lead and inspire a talented team, building strong relationships with a diverse range of partners across sectors.

We’re looking for someone who thrives under pressure, solves complex challenges with creativity, and inspires others with their proactive, inclusive leadership.

 

What your day will look like 

• Lead the oversight , evaluation and review of London’s Health Inequalities Strategy, aligning work and resources to the Mayor’s priorities.
• Respond flexibly and proactively to emerging health priorities, delivering policy and projects across a broad health agenda.
• Forge strong, trusted partnerships across the health and care system, local authorities, communities and beyond.
• Support our regional strategic development of the health and care reforms
• Solve complex problems creatively and collaboratively, navigating a dynamic and political environment.
• Manage a high-performing, inclusive team, supporting their growth and development.
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion in everything you do.

What You’ll Bring

• A strong track record of leading complex health policy, system, or strategy work at a senior level.
• Deep understanding of health inequalities — and the flexibility to work across a wide range of health and wellbeing issues.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills — you build trust, secure buy-in, and unite diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking — you see the bigger picture and turn vision into action.
• Initiative and resilience — you thrive under pressure, solve problems, and embrace change.
• Proven experience leading and developing diverse, high-performing teams.
• Commitment to London’s diversity and to putting communities at the heart of change.

Why Join Us?

• Shape the future of health in one of the world’s greatest, most diverse cities.
• Lead projects that deliver tangible, lasting impact for Londoners.
• Be part of a passionate, values-driven team working on some of the most pressing challenges.
• Grow your leadership and influence in a high-profile, supportive environment.
• Work flexibly in an organisation that truly values inclusion, belonging and innovation.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, communities, identities and lived experiences

 

Skills, knowledge and experience

 

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of key health policy areas and the operational delivery context. 
• Knowledge of, and experience in working at a senior level in the delivery of complex programmes in health, health inequalities or the health and care system. 
• Senior programme development and delivery expertise including the ability to develop and procure outcome-based programmes. 
• Experience of establishing and managing complex, and sometimes high pressure  stakeholder relationships to achieve positive outcomes for the Authority
• Communication and stakeholder engagement skills and experience

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

 

How to Apply

 

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

 

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

If you have questions about the role

 

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager emma.pawson@london.gov.uk would be happy to speak to you.

 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

 

Assessment process

 

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

 

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview

 

The interview date: W/c 14 July 2025 (May be subject to change)

 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

 

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

 

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

 

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Secondment Opportunity

If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying

• On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period;
• successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role; and
• at least 18 months service with the GLA 

If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed.

 

If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment.  For further information, please see Secondment Policy and Procedure.

 

IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on a fixed-term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment.

 

If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application

 

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.

Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role. Please upload a personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form, ensuring you address the following technical requirements and competencies in your personal statement. Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images.
 
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework.

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. 

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

In addition to a good salary package, we offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.