At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local businesses and drive economic growth initiatives in Amber Valley.
- Company: Amber Valley Borough Council, committed to community development and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, personal development opportunities, and a chance to impact the local economy.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for career growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in economic development.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development or business support, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Contract Type: Full‑time (37 hours) position for a period of two years. Following the end of the 2 year period, the role reverts to a 22 hour permanent Economic Development Officer position.
Location: Central Headquarters, Ripley (hybrid working available).
Are you passionate about supporting businesses, growing local economies and improving access to employment and skills? We are seeking an Economic Development Officer to join our Growth & Town Centres team to support the delivery of Amber Valley Borough Council’s economic growth priorities. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in delivering economic development activity that supports businesses, employment and inclusive growth across the borough.
About the role
The postholder will support the Council’s economic growth agenda through the development and delivery of economic development initiatives and programmes. You will work closely with local businesses, start‑ups, investors and regional partners, including the East Midlands Combined Authority, to help businesses start, grow and invest in Amber Valley, while supporting skills development, employment and inward investment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Working directly with existing businesses and new start‑ups, providing advice, guidance and signposting to appropriate support.
- Developing and delivering economic development projects and initiatives that support business growth, skills and employment.
- Supporting inward investment and business relocation, promoting Amber Valley as a place to do business.
- Working with local and regional partners to coordinate and deliver business support and skills activity.
- Identifying external funding opportunities and contributing to funding bids that support economic growth initiatives.
- Supporting the visitor economy and town centres through business engagement, promotional activity and digital communications.
- Engaging with business networks and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and encourage collaboration.
- Monitoring activity and contributing to reports on economic performance and programme outcomes.
About you
You will have experience working in economic development, business support or a related economic growth environment, with an understanding of the factors that influence local economies. You will be confident working with businesses and partners, able to coordinate multiple workstreams, and comfortable contributing to the delivery of economic development programmes. Experience of partnership working, project delivery and funding programmes would be an advantage.
You will also have:
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- The ability to work independently and prioritise competing demands.
- Experience of collaborative working with external stakeholders.
- Good IT skills, including the use of digital tools and platforms.
What we offer:
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Personal and professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a real difference to the local economy.
- Occasional evening meetings and some travel will be required.
The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 17 May 2026 at midnight.
To find out more or make an application, visit www.ambervalley.gov.uk/jobs.
Economic Development Officer employer: Amber Valley Borough Council
Amber Valley Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the local economy. With flexible and hybrid working arrangements, alongside personal and professional development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in Ripley, the Council fosters a collaborative culture that values community engagement and supports initiatives aimed at business growth and skills development.
Contact Detail:
Amber Valley Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the economic development scene! Attend local business events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know!
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for supporting businesses and local economies shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Research, Research, Research
Before any interview, make sure you know the ins and outs of Amber Valley and its economic landscape. Familiarise yourself with local businesses, key stakeholders, and recent initiatives. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in economic development and business support. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting local economies and businesses shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about making a difference, so share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you in this field.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for at Amber Valley Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Amber Valley Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Economic Development Officer role. Familiarise yourself with Amber Valley's economic growth priorities and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in economic development, business support, and partnership working. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how you've successfully contributed to similar projects.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current initiatives or challenges they face. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture is a good fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with various stakeholders. Think about potential challenges in economic development and how you would approach them, demonstrating your strategic thinking and adaptability.
