Economic Development Officer

Reading Borough Council

Reading is one of the UK’s most dynamic and economically successful urban centres. We are ambitious for our future and are looking for an experienced and motivated Economic Development Officer to help drive forward our economic growth agenda and deliver positive outcomes for residents, businesses and partners across Reading and the wider Thames Valley.

Full Time
Permanent
Reading
£44,075 to £50,269 Per year
Closes: 28 June 2026

As Economic Development Officer, you will work across a wide range of strategic projects and partnerships to support inclusive economic growth, investment, skills development and workforce resilience.

• Support the delivery of Reading Borough Council’s economic development priorities and regeneration programmes
• Build strong relationships with businesses, regional partners, government bodies and local stakeholders
• Support inward investment activity and promote Reading as a destination for business and innovation
• Contribute to the development of economic strategies, funding bids and policy initiatives
• Provide high-quality research, analysis, reports and briefings for senior officers and elected members
• Support programmes focused on skills, employability and inclusive growth
• Work collaboratively with organisations including REDA, Business Improvement Districts and regional economic boards

You will be an experienced and proactive professional with a strong understanding of economic development, regeneration, skills and business support within a local government or public sector environment. You will have experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, regional partners, elected members and senior officers, and will be confident operating within a politically sensitive environment.

With excellent analytical, communication and report writing skills, you will be able to present complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences.

You will also have experience of developing strategies, managing projects and contributing to funding bids, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes to tight deadlines.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about supporting inclusive economic growth and making a positive difference for Reading’s communities and businesses.

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays (rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave)
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years (monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax)

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.