THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you passionate and experienced about working with businesses? Do you have experience of advising or supporting local businesses in securing future growth? Do you have experience in pulling together and managing public sector support teams? Are you keen to engage with the sector targeted businesses to help them secure support for training, business development and funding?

An exciting job opportunity has been created within Gosport Borough Council’s Economic Regeneration team, working in partnership with local, regional and national partners to help further the growth potential of local businesses and secure employment opportunities for local residents.

The post will be part the Council’s Economic Regeneration Team that is delivering a transformational programme of economic development and regeneration projects across the Borough. The post offers the chance to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, make a clear impact and bring positive change to the Borough for the benefit of its present and future communities.

BACKGROUND

Gosport Borough Council working with its strategic partners has been successful in securing Historic England funding to deliver the Gosport High Streets Heritage Action Zone (GHSHAZ): a £3.2m project to promote and conserve the town centre’s built heritage by fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the historic environment through heritage-led regeneration.

Based upon this success and collaborative working to develop a response to the Government’s recent Levelling Up Fund Applications process, the Council is now seeking to engage an Economic Develop/Sector Development Officer to lead future efforts to work closely with existing local employers within key sectors to assist the driving of a transformational change in the regeneration of the Borough, create local employment & skills opportunities and support the future economic performance of the Borough.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

You will work with strategic partners to develop and deliver programmes and initiatives securing business and employment growth and lead for the Council on skills, innovation and productivity programmes as part of wider economic growth agenda. A lead role will be taken in developing a response to growth opportunities or inward investment, pulling together appropriate in-house and external partnerships and working through these to develop high quality responses and support packages.

You will work with the Economic Development and Regeneration Manager contributing towards delivery of the 2021-31 Gosport Economic Development Strategy, promoting Gosport as a key location for company development and investment, increasing employment, maximising visitor potential and improving the quality of life for all residents.

On occasions, the post holder will support external partners in delivering sub-regional projects aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities offering impartial advice, guidance and signposting in relation to available sources of support and working with sub-regional partners to secure external funding.

There will be a requirement to develop and maintain effective information and recording systems, provide regular internal updates - including highlighting risks and issues and identifying mitigating actions- and liaise with internal & external project managers to ensure that all projects are properly managed and recorded.

Working with partners that are internal and external to the Council will be central to the delivery of business support and you must be able to effectively network and build positive and productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Project management and working with diverse partners are essential skills. An understanding of large regeneration projects, public sector funding sources, skills & training pathways/provision and broader economic development principles is essential along with experience of developing and delivering business engagement activities.

You must hold a degree or equivalent qualifications in programme or project management, or have demonstrable experience of programme management and project delivery.  You will need to have excellent written and verbal skills to be able to communicate effectively with a range of audiences and a clear interest in regeneration and heritage led schemes. 

You will enjoy the benefit of excellent terms and conditions, including flexible working hours. If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion about the role, please call Andrew Sugden on 02392 545647

How to apply:

To make sure your application is above the rest, please review the “job description and person specification” and “how to apply” to ensure your application matches the requirements of the role listed in the person specification.  Please ensure you refer to the “how to apply” document when you complete your application as there is information in there that you need to include and evidence in your application for this role.  This is really important or you are likely not to be short listed.  Please ensure you fully read and follow the guidance so you fully demonstrate how you meet the criteria on the person specification.  PLEASE DO NOT JUST SUBMIT A CV. Email your submission to gbcrecruitment@gosport.gov.uk.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications – 10 February 2022

Interviews will be held on - 25 February 2022

All applicants will be advised after the closing date, once shortlisting has taken place.

The Council is committed to equal opportunities for all.

To find out more about this role, please click on the Apply Button below.