Strategic Programme Lead: Tourist Levy

Contract details: Fixed Term Contract 2 Years or Possible Secondment

Interview date: 5th May 2026

Strategic Programme Lead: Tourist Levy Chief Finance Officer's Directorate

Supports the Mayor's Office and wider GLA on a variety of different aspects: from managing daily financial decisions to setting long-term objectives; budget setting; and observing and recognising projects and opportunities in the market that may be worthy of development or investment.

About the team

The Government has recently announced its intention to introduce an Overnight Visitor Levy (OVL). This levy will allow Mayoral Strategic Authorities such as the GLA the opportunity to attach a tax to people staying in hotels or short let stays.

The consultation (see here) on the proposals closed on the 18th February 2026 and we are awaiting the Government's formal response to that consultation.

In parallel to this work, the GLA need to start preparing for the potential introduction of a levy in London. In order to do this, we are setting up a Programme team working in the CFO directorate.

About the role

This role will be responsible for the overall leadership of the programme, working closely with the AD of Strategic Programmes and the SRO to develop and deliver the business case and plan for this programme and then to orchestrate its delivery.

You will pull together the different strands of this programme, ensure that the governance, resourcing, management, budgetary control, delivery, planning and benefits realisation are all in place and gripped. You will manage risks and by working collaboratively, ensure delivery of the programme.

This is an exciting role for an experienced programme manager, comfortable with both programme delivery (methodology agnostic) and the set up and running of a programme management office for this size of programme. You will also need political awareness and be comfortable managing, supporting and delivering for a range of senior stakeholders.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Inclusive leadership experience, managing and supporting high performing teams while championing equity, diversity, and professional excellence.
• Substantial experience of initiating, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on major delivery programmes in complex organisations.
• Technical programme management skills, either gained through a combination of qualifications and experience or just through a significant track record of programme delivery.
• Significant experience of working in a political environment, with an ability to build effective relationships with political and senior stakeholders, and across GLA teams.
• Excellent planning and resourcing and experience of planning in conjunction with other workstreams in a large programme.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• A Word statement as part of the application (1,500 words) outlining how you meet the essential criteria as well as the competencies outlined in the advert.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Gareth Young would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at .

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you'll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: Tuesday 5th May 2026, In Person.

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

GLA staff are hybrid working 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days' annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.

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