Consulting Director

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for an experienced Consulting Director

to join a well-established practice within ICF that develops, analyses 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.
This role will:
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

You will have: 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 degree or PhD in relevant discipline

Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.
Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration
.
Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact
Candidateaccommodation@icf.com
 for assistance.
About us:
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.
We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.
Learn more about
what we do
and our commitment to
inclusion
.
The benefits of joining ICF:
Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.

We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.

To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.

We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.

ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:
Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
Dental insurance and an online GP service.
25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at

candidateaccommodation@icf.com . We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

London (GB80)