Chief Investment Officer

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.

We are delighted to be partnering with Russell Reynolds Associates in the search for this crucial role.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should be submitted to Russell Reynolds Associates directly at  and should include:

A current curriculum vitae outlining career history, relevant leadership responsibilities and professional experience.

A supporting statement (maximum two pages) describing interest in the appointment and demonstrating how experience meets the published criteria.

Location:

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

Final date to receive applications: 8th November 2026. Please submit a CV and supporting statement to  quoting the search reference NWF CIO in the subject line.

Reporting to: CEO

Contract:

Permanent, Full-Time Role Purpose Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CIO will lead the National Wealth Fund's integrated investment function, bringing together all front-office activities across public and private sector lending, investment and capital deployment.

The CIO will shape and execute NWF's investment strategy to support UK growth, deploy capital effectively and crowd in private investment. The role will also provide strategic oversight of NWF's public-sector advisory activity, ensuring that early-stage project support helps accelerate delivery of strategic projects.

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Investment Leadership Lead the design and delivery of NWF's integrated investment strategy, spanning public and private sector markets.

Ensure capital deployment aligns with NWF's mandate to support regional growth, mobilise private capital and accelerate the UK's transition to clean energy.

Translate strategic priorities into robust investment pipelines, clear risk appetites and disciplined execution plans.

Provide thought leadership on market trends, investment opportunities and policy developments relevant to NWF's mission.
2. Front-office Leadership capital deployment

Oversee lending and investment activity across public and private sectors, including origination, structuring, execution and recycling of capital.

Lead and develop a high-performing front-office team, ensuring clear accountability for delivery and performance while remaining sufficiently close to complex transactions to provide judgement and challenge.

Build deep relationships across investors, financial institutions, sponsors and developers to mobilise private capital and co-investment.

Drive high standards of commercial rigour, credit quality and operational discipline, ensuring NWF operates to banking standards.

Chair the investment committee, ensuring sound due diligence, risk management and alignment to strategic objectives.
3. Public-sector Investment and Advisory Provide strategic oversight of NWF's public-sector advisory work and engagement with Local Authorities and Strategic Partnerships.

Ensure early engagement helps accelerate project maturity and translate ambitious pipelines into investable opportunities.

Foster effective partnerships between advisory and banking teams, bringing together investment expertise, local insight and capital.
4. Enterprise Leadership and Organisational Contribution Act as a…