Job Description

Economic Development Officer

We have an excellent opportunity available for an Economic Development Officer to join our proactive Economic Development team.

As Economic Development Officer you will be responsible for promoting economic growth and sustainability within the Borough. We will look to you to identify, plan, manage and deliver projects that support economic development. A key aspect of this role is to work with our SME business community across the Borough using an intelligence led, targeted and supportive approach to enable growth and sustainability.

You will play an active part in the development of a robust inward investment agenda and will be responsible for developing an economic development strategy that encompasses the Councils key objectives and vision to be a great place to live, learn work and grow and a great place to do business.

Key Responsibilities include:

• To develop programmes, projects and activities that support innovation, growth and sustainability that have meaningful impact for the Borough
• To support the planning, research, writing and implementation of a Borough wide Economic Development strategy
• To lead on the creation of business led clusters for our Creative Industries and our emerging film sector.
• To develop and strengthen business partnerships across the borough conducting outreach to engage with our businesses and understand the emerging trends and needs
• To work on a clear communication plan that can be shared with our business community so that they are informed about the local decision-making process
• To ensure the development and effective management of the business engagement team with responsibility for 2 members of staff

Candidate Requirements:

• Partnership working and negotiation skills
• Demonstrable experience of target setting, monitoring and evaluation
• Experienced in Business development
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret complex information, policy, and guidance to inform the development of local strategies, policies and procedures and re-present good practice
• Management experience is desirable
• Experience of managing, high-profile projects involving a broad range of partners stakeholders to achieve defined outcomes

Wokingham Borough Council is based in Wokingham Town Centre, it is an attractive market town in Berkshire, with excellent road and rail links and is easily accessible from London and Reading.

Benefits - We can offer you a host of excellent benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave allowance
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Sports & Leisure Discounts
• And more!

For an informal discussion, please contact Nicky Phillips on nicky.phillips@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing Date: 4th August 2023, 11pm

Interview Date: W/C 14th August 2023

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham Borough Council