Investment Associate (Place) - North West and Yorkshire

About Us:

The OfI was established in January 2021 and is a joint unit between No.10, HMT, and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). We are a creative and motivated team with diverse backgrounds in both the commercial and public sectors. We aim to secure investment that drives growth and job creation, aligned with the UK's Industrial Strategy and HMG Missions. We are proactive and entrepreneurial, always seeking new opportunities to enhance the UK's economic landscape.

The OfI Place Team, where this role is positioned, works at the interface of investors, regional and devolved governments, and central government. It focuses on unlocking place‑based investment opportunities across the UK, supporting regions to bring forward commercially credible propositions, and ensuring that the UKs regional offer is understood, investible and competitive internationally.

This is a senior, outward‑facing role offering substantial exposure to Ministers, senior officials, regional leaders, and global investors.

As a Grade 7 Investment Associate in the OfI Place Team, you will lead the delivery of complex, high‑value investment projects, providing a bespoke service to some of the worlds most significant investors. This will include:

• Providing leadership across the OfI Place Team, which operates a pool of national resource, contributing to a high‑performing and inclusive team culture. You will contribute to corporate responsibilities such as resourcing, people development and financial management, as required.
• Supporting the strategic development of the Place Team and the wider OfI, including leading cross‑cutting initiatives.
• Setting strategic direction for multi‑disciplinary project teams involving other government departments and arms‑length bodies, ensuring alignment with investor needs and government priorities.
• Leading the preparation of high‑quality briefings, submissions and advice for Ministers, No.10, and senior officials.
• Providing robust project management, including milestone tracking, risk mitigation and governance, and reporting progress to senior officials and Ministers.
• Working with regional partners to improve the quality, readiness, and commercial credibility of investment propositions.
• Acting as a senior point of contact for investors, providing advice on the UKs policy, regulatory and place‑based offer.
• Representing investor views across government to help unlock barriers and secure positive investment outcomes.

Essential criteria

The below criteria are essential and will be assessed at application stage.

• Strategic leadership: proven ability to lead complex, high-profile projects or programmes, set clear direction, and drive delivery at pace.
• Commercial acumen: experience of, and an ability to understand, investor motivations. Experience identifying, shaping, or supporting opportunities involving investment, growth, or major projects.
• Communicating and influencing: excellent written and verbal communication skills, and confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• Collaboration and team leadership: a collaborative leadership style, with experience building effective teams, driving performance, and ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries.
• Experience working within or alongside the public sector and understanding government operations in complex environments.
• Experience of place‑based or regional working, including understanding the UKs sub‑national landscape or devolved arrangements.

Desirable criteria

The below criteria are desirable only. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but will be used in the event of tied scores between candidates.

• Experience shaping or influencing policy / programs through evidence, stakeholder engagement or cross‑government working.
• Client‑facing or private‑sector experience, particularly in investment, finance, infrastructure, or corporate strategy.
• Demonstrated experience of project or programme delivery, including managing risk and navigating delivery barriers.

Personal Attributes & Skills:

The below is a list of characteristics which may be helpful in this role. These will not be assessed throughout the recruitment process, but are laid out to help candidates understand more about the role.

We are seeking a high-performing, strategic, commercially astute person with a strong understanding of what drives investment decisions. You will be comfortable operating at senior levels, managing ambiguity and delivering results in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment. You will support and work closely with the Place Team Investment Partners and Deputy Director.