At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to support business growth and investment in Babergh and Mid Suffolk.
- Company: Join a multi-award-winning Local Authority known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a competitive pension scheme, and wellbeing support with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; perfect for those who thrive in dynamic environments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local economies while collaborating with passionate stakeholders and businesses.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 43000 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are looking for an Economic Development Manager to join our Economic Development Team. If you are passionate about supporting business growth and investment, and would like to be part of the team, leading on strategic initiatives for our Districts, then we would love to hear from you.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk regularly top surveys as some of the best places to live in the UK and for our spectacular natural assets including Constable Country, Dedham Vale, Lavenham and the Wool Towns, Shotley Peninsula and the Heart of Suffolk. This high quality of life is a key selling point to inward investors and reinforces the area's proposition as an attractive place to live, work and visit.
We are a multi-award-winning Local Authority, obtaining awards for a range of our services including Building Control and Regeneration and have been named council of the Year for 2024.
Our vision for the Economy of our Districts has been shaped by our new Economic Strategy and we are passionate about delivering this vision to drive economic ambition, innovation and create new higher wage jobs, supporting our many fast-growing businesses in the districts.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced person to join our team to ensure that Babergh and Mid Suffolk maximises opportunities to increase the prosperity of our residents and businesses and promote the districts as a vibrant and successful business location as well as supporting the growth and development of existing companies to help deliver more high paid jobs for our residents.
The role would suit someone used to dealing with business, developers and stakeholders, someone who likes variety within their role and someone who is driven by a desire to deliver inclusive economic growth. Working closely with key businesses and stakeholders across the district, this job is all about relationship building, business engagement and problem solving. We are looking for a people person who is passionate about the local economy and business development.
This dynamic, wide-ranging role will include a wide variety of responsibilities, including:
- Work with a range of committed partners and stakeholders across the districts to deliver support packages that provide businesses with what they need to grow and be successful.
- Develop concepts for new projects and initiatives which support the growth and development of our Districts and support the development and delivery of the councils' ambitious Economic Growth Plans.
- Develop our innovation and investment offers.
- Provide specialist economic advice into planning applications and planning policy development.
- Liaise with a broad portfolio of businesses in every sector to facilitate their growth and development.
You will share our values, commitment, and motivation to make a difference for our residents, businesses, stakeholders and communities. There is great potential for you to make this role your own and to bring new ideas and creative thinking to help shape how we deliver our economic development activities.
Working together across our councils and with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, we provide excellent services to our 190,000 residents and 8,000 businesses across Babergh and Mid Suffolk. We are proud of the role we play in creating the environment, economy, and communities for our districts.
Benefits include:
- Great opportunities for learning and development.
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 26 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support Program.
- Employee Assist Program.
- Health care options.
We are committed to working in a more hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (business needs permitting). This has worked well for us and is something we will be continuing with.
We are committed to supporting equality and diversity, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible service for our residents.
For more information, please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity. If you wish to discuss the hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please contact Michelle Gordon by either calling 07922 416690 or emailing michelle.gordon@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 12am, 29 June 2025. Interview date: 16 or 18 July 2025.
When applying, please ensure that you complete the application form as fully as possible with your employment and educational history as shortlisting will be based upon the application form and supporting statement only. Your statement should indicate how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile section of the Job Description/Person Specification (JDPS).
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Economic Development Manager for Prosperity in Ipswich employer: Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a strong commitment to hybrid working, generous leave entitlements, and a focus on professional development, employees can thrive while contributing to the vibrant local economy in one of the UK's most picturesque regions. Join us in making a meaningful impact on our communities and enjoy the unique advantages of working in a multi-award-winning local authority.
Contact Details:
Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Manager for Prosperity in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Babergh and Mid Suffolk's Economic Strategy. Understanding their vision and goals will help you align your experience and ideas with what they are looking for in an Economic Development Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local businesses and stakeholders in the area. Building relationships before applying can give you insights into the challenges they face and how you can contribute to their growth, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully supported business growth in the past. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to engage with various sectors will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for the local economy by staying updated on recent developments and initiatives in Babergh and Mid Suffolk. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your commitment to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Manager for Prosperity in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Economic Development Manager position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Craft a supporting statement that directly addresses the criteria outlined in the Person Profile section. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet each requirement.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Emphasise any previous roles or projects where you successfully supported business growth, engaged with stakeholders, or developed economic initiatives. This will showcase your suitability for the position.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Research the Districts
Before your interview, take some time to research Babergh and Mid Suffolk. Familiarise yourself with their economic strategies, key businesses, and recent developments. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Highlight Relationship-Building Skills
As an Economic Development Manager, you'll need to build strong relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with businesses or community partners, showcasing your ability to foster collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The role involves addressing challenges faced by businesses in the districts. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've identified problems and implemented effective solutions. This will illustrate your proactive approach and critical thinking skills.
✨Show Passion for Economic Growth
Express your enthusiasm for supporting business growth and investment in the local economy. Share your vision for how you can contribute to the councils' ambitious Economic Growth Plans, and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas that align with their goals.
