At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with local businesses and promote initiatives to enhance the city centre.
- Company: Join a supportive team at GO! Southampton, representing over 630 businesses.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a contributory pension, and a vibrant office environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and a knack for building relationships.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for evening and weekend events.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Business Relations Officer [GO! Southampton BID]
GO! Southampton is the city’s Business Improvement District (also known as a BID). We represent over 630 city centre businesses. Our mission is to continuously improve the city centre by delivering relevant services, providing a voice for business, influencing strategy and being a catalyst for positive change.
GO! Southampton is a small team, which do a lot of work in the city. This means we are a supportive friendly team, while being challenged in our work. Our office space is a well designed space, with facilities including free coffee machines and fruit. We hope you find it a pleasure joining GO! Southampton during this fixed term contract, and we look forward to getting to know the successful candidate.
Role Overview
The Business Engagement Officer role is central to GO! Southampton’s relationship with its business members. This maternity cover position focuses on managing stakeholder engagement, ensuring members are actively involved in BID initiatives. The role acts as the primary point of contact for BID levy payers and partners, driving collaboration, gathering feedback, promoting services, and demonstrating the value of the BID to its members.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee business engagement for the BID, working with account managers, partners and service providers to guarantee all BID members have the opportunity to learn more about BID services and engage.
- Develop strong professional relationships across a range of business sectors.
- Engage with businesses regularly to understand their priorities.
- Communicate and present the role of GO! Southampton, including services, Business Plan objectives and BID achievements.
- Promote BID services, initiatives and campaigns to members to ensure effective take-up. Manage and deliver stakeholder communications including newsletters, surveys, and member updates.
- Gather business intelligence and feedback to inform project development and represent member views.
- Collaborate with the wider GO! Southampton team on campaigns, events, marketing and communication efforts.
- Maintain accurate records of engagement activity, contact information and business feedback via the organisation’s CRM system.
- Support the onboarding of new businesses into the BID area and ensure they are aware of available services.
- Attend events including but not limited to, events promoting BID services, city welcoming days, networking events and city tours. You may be required to lead the hosting of these events on behalf of GO! Southampton.
- Undertake any other task commensurate with this role.
Person Specification
- Experience in roles which demonstrate strong customer service and/or business engagement skills.
- Must demonstrate people skills and ability to adapt to situations.
- Confident IT user.
Desirable, but not essential:
- An understanding of Business Improvement Districts.
- Experience of using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems.
Working Arrangements and Pay
Term of contract: Fixed term from Monday 17th November 2025 (Some flexibility on start date, if required by notice period) until Friday 27th November 2026. Probationary period of three months.
Hours of work: 40 hours per week. 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Some evening, early morning and weekend work required, though this is minimal with notice.
Reporting to: Gemma Pratt, Director of Placemaking and Deputy Executive Director
Location of work: GO! Southampton Office, Network Eagle Lab, Portland Terrace, Southampton, SO14 7SJ.
Holiday: 25 days holiday per annum, in addition to public holidays.
Pension: Contributory pension after probationary period of 3 months.
Applications
Please send your CV and a covering letter (covering letter to be no longer than 400 words) to info@gosouthampton.co.uk by Sunday 19th October 2025.
Interviews may take place before the closing date for the right candidate, therefore the role is subject to close before the deadline.
Location: GO! Southampton Office, Network Eagle Lab, Portland Terrace, Southampton, SO14 7SJ.
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Business Relations Officer [GO! Southampton BID] employer: Go! Southampton
Contact Detail:
Go! Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Relations Officer [GO! Southampton BID]
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research GO! Southampton, their mission, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since the role is all about engaging with businesses, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts. We want to see how you connect with others!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your ideas! GO! Southampton values collaboration and innovation, so come prepared with suggestions on how you could enhance business engagement or promote BID services. Show us your creative side!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Relations Officer [GO! Southampton BID]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Relations Officer role. Highlight any customer service or business engagement experience you have, as this is key for us at GO! Southampton.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no longer than 400 words, so get straight to the point! Share why you're passionate about improving the city centre and how you can contribute to our mission at GO! Southampton.
Showcase Your People Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your ability to build relationships and adapt to different situations. We value strong interpersonal skills, so let us know how you've successfully engaged with others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Go! Southampton
✨Know Your BID Basics
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Business Improvement District (BID) is and how GO! Southampton operates. Familiarise yourself with their mission, services, and recent initiatives. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since the role focuses on stakeholder engagement, be prepared to discuss your experience in building professional relationships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with clients or partners, and how you adapted your approach to meet their needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Prepare scenarios where you had to manage feedback or resolve conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, demonstrate your passion for community engagement and improving business relations. Ask insightful questions about GO! Southampton's current projects and future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your values.