Business Engagement Officer

We are looking for a flexible, proactive individual for a temporary period until 31 March 2026.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

You will engage with businesses in County Durham, with a focus on tourism businesses, particularly those that have not engaged with or taken up business support previously. You will be responding to business enquiries and working with the companies to identify their needs, signposting to external support where available, highlighting gaps in provision, and working with DCC colleagues, particularly in Visit County Durham, in order to support businesses in the tourism sector. You will work as part of the team delivering the UK SPF Productivity and Growth package, undertaking initial business engagement, basic business diagnostics and connecting into a range of productivity and growth support.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You should have a Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant business discipline, and/or be able to demonstrate relevant experience. You will have experience of engaging, developing and managing business relationships. It is essential that you have an understanding of the business support landscape in the North East and of the Visitor Economy. This career graded post encompasses the salary range from grade 8 to 10 and your knowledge and experience will dictate which grade you would be appointed to.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS

We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

HYBRID WORKING

Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on Friday 4 April 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY

In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email or telephone 03000 262727 – Option 5.

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