Economic Development Officer

Economic Development Officer – London
Sector Local Authority
Department: Economy
Reports to: Business Services Manager
Duration: 6 Months
Pay rate: £39.11 per hour Umbrella / £31.19 per hour PAYE
Site Based
Department: Economy
Reports to: Business Services Manager


Overview
We are collaborating with a London Borough Council to recruit an Economic Development Officer (EDO). This role is pivotal in supporting and enhancing the local economy by encouraging investment, attracting new businesses, creating jobs, and executing the Council’s economic plans. Strong communication and project management skills are essential.

We seek a highly motivated individual to lead high street programmes in the borough, focusing on business, trade, sport, and events.

Responsibilities

• Business Engagement and Support: Lead high street projects to boost trade and footfall in the Borough. Build relationships with businesses, enterprise/business support agencies, and local associations. Coordinate business support programmes, including sign-posting, referrals, and quality standards. Engage with businesses to foster a resilient local economy.
• Communication and Customer Service: Provide an effective customer-focused service, including preparing succinct communications such as a monthly newsletter. Draft informed responses to enquiries from senior officers, councillors, partners, and the public, including Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and complaints, in a confidential and sensitive manner.
• Property and Space Management: Develop working relationships with property management agents, managed workspace providers, and landlords to understand the supply of vacant commercial premises. Use this information to support and manage business enquiries for vacant sites/premises within the council.
• Programme Delivery: Deliver a range of activities directly or through third-party organisations. Design activities, training, and workshops to support enterprise development, sustain and scale existing businesses, and introduce small businesses to major contractors and buyers in the public and private sectors.
• Supplier and Project Management: Commission and manage suppliers for high street and business support programmes. Maintain a CRM/database of businesses to track outputs and outcomes. Provide high-quality briefings, policy advice, and reports for senior officers and stakeholders.
• Event Support: Support seasonal events, festivals, shows, business events, fayres, etc. Conduct research and manage small projects to encourage economic development in the borough. Stay updated on high street support programmes and attend evening and weekend meetings as needed.

Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience. A project management qualification is desirable.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Knowledge of high street support within a local authority.
• Experience in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of high street economic issues.
• Experience with local authority processes.
• Negotiation skills.
• Experience with business or community associations.
• Project and supplier management experience.
• Ability to analyse data.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Advisory experience.
• Proficiency in office software.

This role involves leading high street programmes, engaging with businesses, and managing various projects to enhance the local economy. Candidates with strong communication and project management skills, along with experience in local business engagement, are encouraged to apply