Deputy Director - Investment & Growth

The Great South West is a business-led organisation covering Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset focused on driving investment into the region and promoting the world class potential of the industries, technologies, businesses, and workforce located in the south west of England. We do this by convening the collective voice of business, local councils, Universities, and other stakeholders through the leadership of our Partnership Board, which works with Government and investors to champion our incredible region on a national and international level.
This new role will lead on developing the region’s work on trade, investment and opportunities which can play a critical role in driving UK economic growth including the GSW internationalisation plan recently agreed by the Board. In addition, you will be the strategic lead for the region’s presence at flagship investment events such as UKREIIF working with senior stakeholders across the south west to build key relationships and the strategic case for the GSW with investors and financial institutions, Government and other international bodies. This will involve strong and influential partnership working across the private and public sector to create a shared ambition and passion for the economic growth of the partnership.
You will:
• develop and lead the delivery of workstreams for investment and growth working closely with businesses, local authorities, Universities, and stakeholders to advance the ambitions of the Great South West to be a nationally and internationally leading region in the UK
• work collaboratively with Chief Executives and senior officers across the Great South West partnership to establish strategic priorities for investment and making the case to national governments and private sector investors
• liaise with Senior Civil Servants and Ministerial teams on a regular basis to best represent the region’s priorities and secure recognition for the work of the Board and delivery of the Great South West’s objectives
• provide professional advice and challenge to support the Great South West Director and Partnership Board ensuring that they are fully briefed and has all the information needed to take timely decisions
• represent and advocate the Partnership’s shared ambitions, priorities and investment opportunities with Government, officials, the Great South Wests All Party Parliamentary Group, the public and private sectors both domestically and internationally.
You will have extensive demonstrable experience of working with the private sector, government (local and national), across all layers and levels, as well as experience working with universities and other key local institutions. You will have achieved meaningful success with broad skills and experience across economy, investment and regional development and should demonstrate experience and success in delivery.
Please provide a CV and Covering Letter demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, skills and personal specification of the job description.
You will be based from your home location and will be expected to travel to events and business meetings as required.
There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Ahmed Goga by email at ahmed.goga@greatsouthwest.co.uk or by telephone on 07845 633570.
Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 19th February 2024 (location to be confirmed) and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 30th June 2025 due to funding with the potential for extension subject to securing further Government and partner funding beyond this period (flexibility can be discussed).
We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.
A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.
The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.