At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage key business programmes to support local businesses in Portsmouth.
- Company: Shaping Portsmouth, a community-focused organisation dedicated to business development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Part-time role with a dynamic team and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the local business community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business engagement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25088 - 30663 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth Guildhall, with hybrid working
Salary: £27,875 FTE, pro rata
Hours: 20–25 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, part-time
Start date: October 2026
Closing date: Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: Friday 18 September 2026
Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, so the vacancy may close early.
The role
Shaping Portsmouth is looking for a proactive and relationship-focused Business Pillar Lead to support businesses across the city. You will manage four key programmes:
- Portsmouth Business Support Service
- Greener Portsmouth Partnership
- Business Digital Resilience
- Workplace Wellbeing
The role is ideal for someone with experience in business engagement, partnerships, programme delivery, stakeholder management or economic development. You do not need to be an expert in every programme area. You do need to be confident building relationships, understanding business needs and bringing the right people together.
Key responsibilities
- Manage and develop Business Pillar programmes.
- Build relationships with local businesses and partners.
- Coordinate workshops, events, mentoring and campaigns.
- Identify business needs and turn them into practical activity.
- Increase programme participation, reach and impact.
- Gather feedback and monitor outcomes.
- Represent Shaping Portsmouth at meetings and networking events.
- Support communications, case studies and partnership opportunities.
About you
You will have:
- Experience building professional relationships with businesses or stakeholders.
- Experience delivering projects, programmes, events or business-facing activity.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Confidence managing multiple priorities.
- A proactive and self-motivated approach.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- An interest in Portsmouth and its business community.
Experience in business support, economic development, membership organisations, non-profits or partnership-led environments would be beneficial. We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills, even if you do not meet every desirable requirement.
Working pattern
This is a flexible, part-time role working 20–25 hours per week across Monday to Friday. The role includes office, home and external working. The team works together in the Portsmouth Guildhall office on Mondays. Some early morning, evening or weekend work may be required for events.
Benefits
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Four weeks’ holiday, pro rata
- Christmas office closure
- Birthday leave
- NEST pension
- Training and development
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Work phone and laptop
- Invitations to business and partner events
Equality and inclusion
Shaping Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. A guaranteed interview is available to candidates who meet the essential criteria and identify as disabled, a care leaver, someone with experience of foster care or an armed forces veteran.
Business Pillar Lead in Portsmouth employer: Carrington West
Carrington West is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on improving residential environments in Harlow, team members benefit from competitive daily rates and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports professional advancement, making it an attractive place for experienced project managers looking to make a difference.
