Economic Development Manager

West Sussex County Council is prioritising the economy through Our Council Plan. Set against the backdrop of current economic conditions, the Council has prioritised the ambition to ensure a sustainable and prosperous economy for West Sussex.

We are recruiting to a new Economic Development Manager post, as we build capacity to support the County Council’s new Economic Development and growth activities. You will play an integral part in collaborating with partners on a new West Sussex Economy Strategy, and in establishing a West Sussex Economy Board to help drive economic resilience and growth. You will have the opportunity to shape and lead new priorities, working closely with senior colleagues, businesses, and stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels. The role is within the Economic Growth Team in Place Services.

Salary: £56,713 to £59,946 per annum.

Location: Flexibility in work location. A typical week will combine homeworking, in person working in Chichester, and meetings or visits in West Sussex and occasionally outside the county. This is led by the needs of the service.

Contract: Fixed-term contract, 2 years.

Working pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week. Flexible working options available.

Employer Pension Contribution: 20.70% this alters per annum on the 1st April each year.

Annual leave: 30 days holiday + Bank holidays = 38 days.

Interviews: Interviews will be held in Chichester, West Sussex week of the 8 April

As an Economic Development Manager, you will champion and lead strategic priorities to make a difference to the West Sussex economy and businesses and to drive long-term change. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring agreed priorities are delivered creatively, effectively, and efficiently.

Key priorities include:

• Supporting the development and delivery of a new West Sussex Economy Strategy.
• Supporting the establishment and effective working of a West Sussex Economy Board, ensuring good governance.
• Planning and delivering Economic Development initiatives to boost productivity, growth, investment, and innovation.
• Leading sector focussed initiatives to support resilience and growth.
• Addressing labour market and skills issues.
• Helping to facilitate the transition to net zero through the role of businesses and the county’s natural assets.
• Influencing wider strategies (e.g. transport, digital infrastructure) to support economic priorities.

• Demonstrated expertise and background in Economic Development to plan strategically and inspire confidence and support among stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to question current practices, think creatively, and offer innovative solutions to meet goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, adept at building lasting relationships across diverse stakeholders through negotiation, influence, and collaboration leadership.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Extensive experience leading and delivering complex initiatives through partnerships and project management principles.
• Experience of managing a budget and/or contributing to financially related decisions on high level spending.
• Computer literate.

We care hugely about wellbeing, allowing time to have fun, and developing our team to be the best they can be. Alongside this, we also offer the below benefits:

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• A generous pension scheme.
• A strong supportive management team.
• Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring.
• Subscription fees paid for one relevant professional body.
• A range of discounts including Argos, Samsung, Asos, B&Q and many more.
• Free access to employee assistant programmes.
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
• A range of commuting and business travel discount and initiatives.

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

For issues or queries regarding your application please contact hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk.

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