At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment, employment, and skills initiatives to drive economic growth in Central Bedfordshire.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team influencing the region's economic direction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and shape the future of economic growth.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience in economic development and a passion for community growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month.
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
About us
At Central Bedfordshire Council, we play a vital role in shaping place and community. We're an ambitious organisation delivering innovative projects and services that help our residents, businesses and communities thrive. We want Central Bedfordshire to be a great place to live, work and invest, and we're committed to creating sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits everyone. Just as we want the best for our communities, we want the best for our people. We value our teams, offering flexible and hybrid working, opportunities for professional development and a collaborative culture where people can make a real difference.
About the role
This is a high profile leadership role in our Place and Communities Directorate within Development and Economy, responsible for leading the Council's business growth, inward investment, employment and skills agenda. You’ll be at the forefront of delivering Central Bedfordshire’s economic ambitions, helping to position the area as a destination of choice for inward investment, innovation and business growth. Working across local, regional and national partnerships, you’ll ensure that economic opportunities translate into jobs, skills and prosperity for our residents. The role oversees a significant portfolio of activity, including inward investment, business support, employment programmes and skills initiatives, managing funding streams of approximately £4.2 million per annum and leading relationships with employers, education providers, government agencies and regional partners. You will also act as a strategic lead across key partnerships including the South Midlands Authorities, Oxford‑Cambridge Growth Corridor, Growth Hub Board and Careers Hub Board, helping to shape the future economic direction of the area.
What we want from you
- Has significant leadership experience in economic development, inward investment, business support and or employment and skills.
- Has a proven track record of securing inward investment, funding and delivering complex economic growth programmes.
- Understands how to build strong partnerships across businesses, education, government and the wider public sector.
- Is ambitious for growth, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Can influence, negotiate and communicate effectively at the highest levels.
- Brings energy, resilience and a focus on delivery.
- Leads with authenticity, integrity and respect.
- Can inspire teams and bring people with them on the journey.
Formal qualifications are less important than your experience, leadership style and ability to deliver results. However, a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as economics, business management, public administration or economic development would be advantageous.
This is more than a leadership role. It's an opportunity to influence the future prosperity of one of the UK's most significant growth areas, helping businesses thrive, attracting investment, creating opportunities and ensuring residents have access to the skills they need to succeed. You will play a key role in delivering the ambitions of Vision 2050, our Economic Strategy and Skills for All Strategy, helping to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive and benefits communities across Central Bedfordshire.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a comprehensive assessment process reflecting the strategic importance of the role. Candidates should ensure they are available on all dates, as participation in all stages of the assessment process will be required.
Our Offer
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page. Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
Safeguarding
Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records. To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council’s policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline. We are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered.
Head of Investment, Employment & Skills in Shefford employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
At Central Bedfordshire Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values flexibility, professional development, and a collaborative work culture. Our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth not only benefits our communities but also empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in their roles. With opportunities for leadership and strategic influence in a vibrant area poised for economic growth, joining us as the Head of Investment, Employment & Skills means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of Central Bedfordshire.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Investment, Employment & Skills in Shefford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially since Central Bedfordshire Council is all about community and growth. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you’re in an interview, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Talk about why you want to work with Central Bedfordshire Council and how you can contribute to their mission of creating sustainable and inclusive growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Investment, Employment & Skills in Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for economic development and community growth shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Central Bedfordshire Council.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in investment, employment, and skills. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve secured funding and delivered successful programmes that made a real impact.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your unique leadership style. Tell us how you inspire teams and build partnerships, as this is crucial for the role of Head of Investment, Employment & Skills.
Apply Online:Remember, we only accept applications through our online system. It’s super easy! Just head over to our website and follow the steps to submit your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Investment, Employment & Skills role. Familiarise yourself with Central Bedfordshire Council's economic strategies and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in economic development and how you've successfully built partnerships. Think of specific examples where you've influenced stakeholders or led teams to achieve significant outcomes. This is your chance to shine as a strategic leader!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Prepare scenarios where you've secured funding or driven economic growth. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's vision and how they measure success in this role. Engaging with your interviewers shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if this is the right fit for you.
