Consulting Director

We are looking for an experienced Consulting Director to join a well-established practice within ICF that develops, analyzes and evaluates UK Government policies and programmes. Specifically, the role will be focused on evaluation projects and proposals for UK Government departments and agencies across priority social policy domains, including education/employment, communities, youth and families. You will bring an entrepreneurial, energetic, and organised approach, with an ability to see the many dimensions of a policy problem, engage and work with leading thematic experts, and lead the in-house team of ICF evaluators and analysts that is working in these areas.

You thrive in a fast-paced environment, are self-motivated and able to manage a varied workload without compromising quality. You have a wide range of interests and are able to develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. You are experienced in applying best practice research and evaluation methodologies, in drafting high quality reports and providing insight, support and advice to government officials.

You enjoy building winning proposals and embrace the challenge of helping to grow a research and evaluation business. We are looking for an intellectually curious and very well organised individual, with an ability to see the many dimensions of a policy problem and to engage and work with leading evaluation experts.

• Develop and proactively manage our education and employment strategy
• Play a leading role in growing our integrated offer for clients such as DfE, DWP, MHCLG and the network of What Works Centres
• Focus on generating business through excellent networking and relationship-building skills
• Lead the identification and pursuit of pipeline and new business opportunities in the UK education and employment market
• Positions and bids for opportunities, leveraging market knowledge and client relationships to maximize growth potential
• Oversees growth and account management for assigned clients
• Builds and maintains robust, long-term strategic relationships with clients
• Provides clients with valuable insights and recommendations based on market and industry expertise
• Continuously seeks ways to improve client services and expand offerings
• Participates in pitches and presentations to clients
• Keeps up to date with industry trends, market developments, and competitor activities
• Direct projects, providing technical leadership and support, manage project teams (including subcontractors), and oversee the delivery of high-quality project outputs
• Lead proposals for new work, including building teams, developing methodologies and budgets
• Support and develop the team that serves this market, including identifying talent requirements, supporting career development and ensuring effective performance management
• Strengthen our methodological capabilities and domain expertise to help us succeed in market

• At least 10 years relevant professional experience
• Expertise in UK policy research and evaluation on at least one of the following areas: education, employment and labour markets, youth and inclusion, children and families
• Experience of leading large and complex research and evaluation projects
• Experience in delivering qualitative and quantitative social research methods, and understanding of different evaluation approaches
• Experience of writing competitive bids or grant applications, including an ability to think through the methodological challenges posed by a research question
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong commercial skills and business acumen, including experience in proactive client engagement and leading competitive bids
• Experience in managing large and complex projects/teams
• Degree, Master's…