Head of Economic Development – AR

Job Description:

Head of Economic Development

Job Title: Head of Economic Development
Grade: MG4
Directorate: Housing & Regeneration
Division: Regeneration and Sustainable Development
Reports To: Assistant Director of Regeneration

The Head of Economic Development will provide strategic leadership for the delivery of the Council’s economic development and regeneration ambitions. The postholder will lead the development and implementation of borough-wide economic strategies, regeneration programmes, masterplans and investment opportunities that support sustainable economic growth, improve places, and create greater opportunities for residents and businesses.

The role will build strong partnerships with businesses, investors, public sector organisations and regional bodies to attract investment, support key sectors, and deliver regeneration outcomes across high streets, town centres and priority growth areas.

The postholder will manage a team of economic development and regeneration professionals, oversee budgets and ensure projects are delivered effectively, providing value for money and measurable benefits for the borough.

• Lead and manage the Economic Development team, ensuring high-quality service delivery, effective performance management and staff development.
• Develop and deliver the Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Strategy, supporting economic growth and placemaking ambitions.
• Lead the development of regeneration plans, masterplans, feasibility studies and business cases to support investment and future growth opportunities.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities from government and other sources, including management of grant programmes and Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Community Improvement Districts, investors, developers and regional organisations including the GLA, West London Alliance and London Councils.
• Support inward investment activity by promoting opportunities across high streets, town centres and key regeneration areas.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders, elected members and partners on economic trends, regeneration opportunities and investment priorities.
• Lead procurement and contract management activity, ensuring projects deliver quality outcomes, value for money and effective governance.
• Manage budgets, risks and programme delivery arrangements, ensuring projects are delivered within agreed timescales and financial limits.
• Work collaboratively across Council services to embed economic development priorities into wider service planning.
• Ensure effective communication and engagement plans are in place to involve businesses, residents and stakeholders.
• Monitor economic trends, policy changes and market factors to inform strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to emergency response, resilience planning and business continuity arrangements where required.

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant senior management experience within economic development, regeneration, growth or place-based services.
• Experience leading the development and delivery of economic strategies, regeneration programmes and investment plans.
• Proven experience of developing masterplans, feasibility studies, business cases and strategic frameworks.
• Experience securing investment and external funding to support regeneration and economic growth.
• Strong partnership-building skills with businesses, government bodies, public sector organisations and community stakeholders.
• Experience working within a political local government environment and advising senior leaders and elected members.
• Strong programme and project management skills, including managing risks, budgets and competing priorities.
• Experience managing teams and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Experience overseeing procurement, contracts and consultants to achieve value for money.
• Excellent communication, report writing and influencing skills.

• Degree or professional qualification in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Urban Planning, Regeneration or a related field.
• Experience working within a local authority economic development or regeneration service.
• Knowledge of local government finance, policy and statutory responsibilities.
• Experience delivering town centre regeneration or place-making initiatives.

• Strategic leadership and vision
• Partnership working and stakeholder management
• Political awareness
• Financial management and commercial awareness
• Delivering results and managing performance
• Evidence-based decision making
• Communication and influencing
• Developing and motivating teams
• Corporate awareness
• Resident and business-focused approach