Halton BID - BID (Business Improvement District) Renewal Officer in Widnes

Reports to: The postholder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will work closely with the BID Engagement Manager

• Holidays: 6.6 weeks holiday annually which includes statutory and other public holidays
• Essential Requirement: Access to a vehicle; mileage expenses reimbursed
• Purpose of the Role

To lead and manage the renewal process for two established Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across Halton (Widnes and Runcorn), taking responsibility for the delivery of all elements of the BID renewal programme and associated ballot processes.

Working closely with the BID Engagement Manager, BID Boards and key stakeholders, the postholder will oversee the planning, consultation, administration and statutory requirements required to facilitate the delivery of the BID renewal process.

The postholder will manage project documentation, stakeholder communications, consultation activity, business plan development and ballot administration, ensuring activities are undertaken in accordance with BID legislation/regulations and contributing to effective partnership working throughout the renewal programme.

The two BIDs are currently in their 19th successful year, reflecting a strong track record of business engagement, collaboration and investment in the local economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct feasibility and review meetings with the BID Boards and relevant Operating Group members to understand each BID’s achievements, current position, future direction and vision for BID 5, identifying key changes from BID 4.
• Develop and deliver a mid-term levy payer survey to gather stakeholder feedback in advance of the ballot process, including survey design, analysis of responses and recommendations to inform future BID proposals.
• Configure and manage Excel databases to model different levy scenarios, including varying levy rates, thresholds and potential alternatives to the current banding system, using the 2026 ratings list to assess the impact on individual levy payers and produce detailed analysis reports.
• Plan and produce consultation materials, including early stakeholder surveys and draft business plans for each BID.
• Prepare comprehensive BID Business Plans, incorporating all statutory levy rules and requirements to ensure legislative compliance, including coordination of design and print.
• Coordinate all legislative and statutory processes, including notifications to the Secretary of State and formal requests to the Local Authority to administer the ballot.
• Support the configuration and verification of BID voter lists, acting as liaison with the election agent and, where applicable, external ballot providers such as CIVICA.
• Liaise with the Local Authority to facilitate meetings relating to ratings lists, ballot arrangements, baseline agreements, operating agreements and approval of BID proposals.
• Prepare and submit BID Proposals in accordance with relevant BID Regulations.
• Produce reports and briefing papers for BID Boards and Operating Groups as required.
• Attend Board and local Operating Group meetings (where appropriate) to provide updates, facilitate discussions and support effective decision-making throughout the BID renewal process.
• Provide guidance and support in the development and delivery of an effective BID renewal engagement campaign.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience of managing complex projects from inception through to completion, including planning, delivery, monitoring and reporting.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, risks and resources effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports, business plans, consultation materials and presentations for a range of audiences.
• Experience of consultation and engagement activities, including designing surveys, analysing feedback and using insight to inform proposals and decision-making.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, undertake research and produce evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing statutory processes, compliance requirements and complex documentation.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks and deliver outcomes within agreed timescales.
• Competent IT skills, including experience of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of the local business landscape
• Knowledge and understanding of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), including BID legislation, regulations, renewal processes and ballot requirements.
• Experience of managing or supporting a BID development, renewal or ballot process.
• Experience of working with Local Authorities, BID Boards, Operating Groups or similar partnership structures.
• Experience of developing business plans or strategic documents.
• Experience of managing external suppliers, consultants, ballot providers or specialist contractors.
• Experience of delivering business engagement campaigns or stakeholder communication programmes.
• Knowledge of property rating systems, levy calculations and non-domestic rating data.

The successful candidate will work with a diverse range of businesses, from small independent companies to larger organisations, across both BID areas.

• To find out more about the project background please visit: https://haltonbid. co. uk/
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