Business Support Manager - Economic Development
Lancaster City Council is investing in the future and continuing to develop an environment to support business prosperity and engagement, attract investment, promote community wealth building, drive climate change action, and develop the services our businesses need. We want to build on our strengths to grow Lancaster district’s reputation as a great business location and investment opportunity, but also as an amazing place to live, work and play.
Lancaster district’s future is exciting, with significant developments in new energy, advanced manufacturing, retail, life sciences, leisure, and housing. The prospect of the Eden Project in Morecambe only adds to the momentum building in the region, as businesses and organisations recognise the potential on offer. Lancaster enjoys big city benefits – including excellent transport links, leading universities, world-class restaurants and theatres. The district is home to diverse entrepreneurship which ranges from small and independent businesses and traders to large enterprises, strong sectors and nuclear energy facilities at Heysham.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the post of Business Support Manager within Economic Development at Lancaster City Council. The position will play a key role in leading the economic development, recovery, and long-term resilience of the district following the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a Business Support team that is at the heart of its local economy. The team carries out several functions including business engagement, advice and support, business enterprise assistance, community wealth building, delivering a green agenda, and education and skills requirements to meet business and economic needs. The team works alongside a range of economic partners to explore and undertake direct interventions and develop plans for a further inclusive economy. The team also has a significant role to play in providing business intelligence so that interventions, direct or otherwise, are evidence-led.
We are seeking an economic development professional with extensive proven management experience leading a team in this field. You will have exceptional leadership qualities and experience in demonstrating key economic development skills and achievements with both policy and practice. You will have worked directly with businesses to understand their development and support requirements, built networks and events programmes, and developed a range of business communications to promote services. You will have proven experience directing a multi-skilled business support team in economic development, covering a range of professional areas of work.
You will effectively manage and deliver a range of services to deliver economic, social, and environmental outcomes as agreed in the Council Plan and Economic Prosperity Plan. You will work in collaboration with key economic partner organisations to influence the development of business services and ensure outcomes are delivered. You will expand the council’s economic funding activity by managing related grant funding regimes, including business grants. You will develop proposals to build on the skills and employment priorities for the local economy and deliver agreed solutions. You will be expected to lead discussions with key stakeholders and represent the council at organised networking events.
A full current UK driving licence is essential, as the post holder will be required to travel in and outside the Lancaster district.
The hours of work for this position are 37 per week, working Monday to Friday. You may be required from time to time to attend meetings or cover events that fall outside the normal hours of work, including weekends. This post is permanent and is based at Lancaster Town Hall, although you may be required to work from other Council buildings when required.
The Council currently operates an excellent Flexible Working Hours Scheme which applies to this post. Subject to the needs of this business, this may allow employees to work between the hours of 6:00am-10:30pm.
We are a Forces Friendly employer, and an Armed Forces Covenant committed organisation. We welcome applications from defence reserves and other members of our armed forces community.
Lancaster City Council has unanimously declared a climate emergency and will therefore work towards reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030. As part of this role, you will be expected to participate and work towards reducing carbon emissions, while supporting businesses and organisations across the district to reach the same goal.
Excellent benefits include: A Local Government Pension Scheme (the Council makes a 15.5% contribution). Discounted gym membership and discount on days out, activities and retail.
Interview date: Friday, TBC
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
