Experience Sussex Development Manager

Do you want to work with us to grow and develop Sussex as a tourism destination to a global and domestic audience?

Join us as the Experience SussexDevelopment Manager and become part of a brand-new team.

We are looking for a Development Manager to join us. Your role will be focused on developing the Sussex visitor economy with partners, working on plan priorities that include product and experience development, and creating a more regenerative destination. You will be overseeing support and liaison with businesses and playing a key role in ensuring effective working with partners and stakeholders. You will be employed by West Sussex County Council.

Salary: £41,418 to £44,428 per annum.

Location: Flexibility in work location. A typical week will combine homeworking with attendance at in person team meetings and site or business visits across Sussex. This is led by the needs of the service.

Contract: Fixed-term contract, 2 years.

Working pattern: Part-time/Full-time, 29.5-37 hours per week. Flexible working options available, to be agreed with your line manager.

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 Lewes, East Sussex.

East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council have teamed up to launch Experience Sussex, an initiative to boost and grow the Sussex visitor economy in line with a new Plan for Growth.

In the role of Experience Sussex Development Manager, you will be the primary professional in charge of key aspects of sector transformation. This involves leading on opportunities that align with our growth plan, including:

• Product development, e.g. sustainable tourism, coastal tourism, wine tourism
• Development of funding bids
• Data collection, analysis and interpretation
• Partner collaborations to boost business and sector resilience.

Additionally, you will be responsible for managing key partnerships and contractors/ suppliers. It will be crucial to effectively collaborate with partners, businesses and other key stakeholders in Sussex, as well as with international partners. The postholder will be expected to fulfil statutory responsibilities and duties, ensuring that professional matters and projects align with the broader objectives of both the County Councils in a customer-focused manner.

What we need from you:

• Extensive experience in Visitor Economy and Destination Management at a senior level.
• Experience of strategic level work, business planning and budgeting.
• Experience of partnership working, facilitating debate and arriving at consensus.
• Experience of project design, development and delivery.
• Experience of mentoring staff and developing an effective team to work together to meet objectives and deliver a professional service.
• Ideally, experience and knowledge of local authorities and their role in economic development and the visitor economy.

Rewards and Benefits

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:

• 38 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.

Further Information

For issues or queries regarding your application please contact .

Apply now and help us to inspire others to visit and enjoy this incredible place. Click the apply button below, upload your CV and cover letter explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description. Remember to give examples.