Public Sector Advisory, Infrastructure, Associate

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Transport is a core sector within our Public Services Advisory offering. Today, transport infrastructure is seen as a stimulator of economic growth and regeneration, rather than being responsive to increasing demand. Governments around the world considerimproved transport services as a means of increasing competitiveness within national, regional, urban and local economies. But transport authorities must balance economic, environmental, technical, and safety interests within a context of limited funding andlong lead-times for the development of new infrastructure. These constraints accentuate a need for rigorous, evidence-based analysis and innovative thinking.

In addition, we want you to help us to build our capability in the defence sector.We have secured a major new contract in the local area, with the opportunity for you to build your experience and capability from the start, particularly in the area of financialadvice.

Grant Thornton’s PSA team provides more than generic financial advice; in order to meet these challenges and deliver optimal solutions we have assembled a dynamic team of financial advisers that have in-depth experience and expertise. With direct experienceof the specific industry issues needed to create successful projects, we understand the complex matrix of issues that can help or hinder the delivery of a project. Grant Thornton believes that an integrated team specialising in transport and defence projectsshould combine an ability to think strategically with a deep practical understanding of transport economics and delivery. This role will be located in our Bristol office, as part of a national team based in London.We are market leaders in the public sectortransport advisory space, regularly competing and winning against the Big 4. We are involved in some of the most high profile capital projects in the UK and are often shaping the strategic direction of both public and private sector clients. We are lookingto expand our team of expert advisers with a focus on transport and defence.

Travel to Grant Thornton offices and to client sites will be required, but we are also happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role

As an Associate Director within our Public Services Advisory team, you will:

• Take ownership of complex assignments in a way that meets and exceeds client expectations.
• Manage relationships with key clients and lead on the development of nominated key accounts.
• Manage internal budgets, assignments and client relationships.
• Take an active role in self-development, working with director or partner to produce and implement a personal development plan for technical and personal skills.
• Lead on the development of specific service lines, to grow the range of assignments in the transport sector.
• Engage with prospective clients to develop insights and identify opportunities, develop proposals and win new assignments.
• Lead and motivate teams, using regular, appropriate communication and providing timely feedback.
• Manage recovery of fees, negotiate billing with clients, forecast billing for assignments, oversee the raising of invoices and monitor debtors.
• Identify and manage risk in line with the firm’s policies and procedures, leading by example to support a culture of strong risk-management within the team.

Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as a Public Services Advisory Associate Director based in the South West of England, the minimum criteria you’ll need is to have:

• Proven experience of operating at a senior level in an advisory business or internal consultancy within industry.
• Being a qualified accountant is not a pre requisite but would be an advantage.
• Strong leadership and management skills with experience of managing multiple teams and complex work-streams.
• Knowledge and experience of the UK rail industry, and/or defence sectors and an understanding of the financial aspects of the public sector’s procurement processes are desirable..

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.

• A commercial mind with an ability to understand contractual requirements
• Good understanding of financial statements with an analytical and numerical approach to problem solving
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a commitment to producing clear, structured reports.
• A genuine interest in our public and private sector clients. We want to provide a distinctive service and unlock potential for growth in dynamic organisations.
• Communicate to board members of large organisations in a coherent and articulate way, demonstrating the value added by the team
• Adapt quickly and wisely to changing conditions to optimise growth for both our clients and ourselves.
• Focus on quality and excellence with strong analytical and report writing skills.

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right t