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- Tasks: Lead economic development initiatives to maximise benefits from the East West Rail project.
- Company: Join East West Railway Company, a key player in the UK's largest infrastructure project.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and advanced learning opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to representing UK communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable growth and community development across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development and strong partnership-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The purpose of East West Rail is to deliver sustainable economic growth for new and existing communities across the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Working with partners and places, we can maximise the economic benefits of Government investment in East West Rail. East West Railway Company was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget, and again in the 2025 Spending Review as part of its ambition to unlock the potential of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. EWR is being championed by the Government as a key driver to economic growth leading to a potential £78 Billion boost to the UK economy: supporting new towns, housing, and regeneration.
Role Summary
This role will lead the economic development work programme with support from the Head of Economic Development. This will involve strategy development, research, project management, deliverables review and managing relationships with businesses, local and government partners to ensure the railway unlocks maximum economic benefit. This role involves a combination of cross-organisational working, managing consultancy commissions and reporting/analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the economic development work programme, centered around the following work areas:
- Strategic, Growth Corridor-wide relationships that build support for EWR and the Growth Corridor - Building support for the scheme within Whitehall by demonstrating EWR’s contribution to national strategic priorities and policies. Working with partners at Corridor-level to support interventions for growth outcomes.
- Tactical, Place-based relationships, that support growth outcomes and the DCO - Build support for the scheme with local and regional stakeholders, to support positive growth outcomes on the ground. Elevating stakeholder engagement around shared aspirations and support for the DCO, mitigating DCO risk.
- Designing for Growth - Working with Sponsors to represent the growth and development opportunities as they make trade-offs and decisions with design teams regarding station design and integration.
- Strengthening the business case - Creating a virtuous loop between the EWR Business Case and the economic development opportunities; identifying ways to evidence and support growth, strengthening the case for EWR.
- Embedding sustainable economic growth objectives across EWR Co - Advocating across EWR Co to plan for the economic growth, housing and social benefits unlocked by delivery of EWR.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Substantial experience of cross-organisational partnership working, with evidenced outcomes.
- Evidence of successfully leading and managing a programme of work, from inception, design, implementation through to delivery and close out.
- Experience in economic development: analysis and strategy, preferably within infrastructure projects.
- Ability to engage and build relationships with governmental (for example, DfT, MHCLG, Homes England) and local partners (for example, Local Authorities).
- Ability to work at strategic and local scales: growth-corridor and local places.
- Ability to work through complex technical and stakeholder issues through to resolution.
Benefits
- Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience
- Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future
- 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days
- 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support you and your loved ones
- Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind
- Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it
- Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits
- Recognition programme, including on-the-spot and annual awards
- Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
Diversity and Inclusion
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Economic Development Manager employer: East West Railway Company
Contact Detail:
East West Railway Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Economic Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand how your skills align with their goals, especially around economic development and infrastructure. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience can contribute to the East West Rail project. Highlight your cross-organisational partnership skills and any relevant economic development experience to show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the East West Railway Company and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Economic Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Economic Development Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering sustainable economic growth!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about specific projects you've led or been a part of that relate to economic development. We love seeing evidence of your impact and how you’ve navigated complex partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with East West Railway Company!
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Railway Company
✨Know Your Economic Development Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and strategies in economic development, especially within infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the goals of East West Rail and how you can contribute to sustainable growth in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Since this role involves a lot of partnership working, try to connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Understanding their experiences can give you valuable insights into the company culture and help you tailor your responses during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in complex stakeholder situations. Think of specific examples from your past work where you successfully navigated challenges and built consensus among diverse groups.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainable Growth
East West Rail is all about unlocking economic benefits while being sustainable. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how infrastructure can drive economic growth without compromising environmental values. This will show that you’re aligned with their mission and vision.