About us
Enterprise Oxfordshire drives economic development activity across the Oxfordshire region, delivering tangible inclusive impact aligned with local priorities for business growth and retention, skills development and inward investment. We work holistically with businesses, universities, schools, Government and public sector bodies – convening regional strengths, partners and assets to create transformational opportunities for our residents and businesses to thrive in our region.
About the Role
We are seeking a talented, motivated and proactive individual to join our team and help shape the future economic success of Oxfordshire. This role will lead and support the development, coordination and delivery of county-wide economic development initiatives, programmes and partnerships that promote sustainable, inclusive and innovation-led growth across Oxfordshire.
Job Purpose
To lead the development, coordination and delivery of Oxfordshire wide strategic economic development initiatives, programmes, and partnerships that support sustainable, inclusive and innovation-led growth across Oxfordshire.
The role combines strategic economic development leadership with programme and project management expertise, ensuring that Oxfordshire continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK's leading innovation economies while creating opportunities for residents and businesses across the county.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Economic Development Leadership
- Manage the day-to-day delivery of economic development activity and programmes, overseeing the design, mobilisation of new projects and the effective management of existing provision.
- Provide economic development expertise and strategic advice to Enterprise Oxfordshire, OCC teams such as spatial planning, infrastructure, and climate teams and LA partners and wider stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of place-based economic solutions that increase productivity, innovation, business growth, skills development, investment and inclusive growth.
- Monitor economic trends, policy developments and funding opportunities at local, regional and national levels and assess their implications for Oxfordshire.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations through analysis of economic data, research and market intelligence.
- Represent Enterprise Oxfordshire at meetings, conferences, working groups and strategic forums as required.
Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Serve as a key point of contact with local government, central government, business representative organisations, universities, investors, developers and delivery partners.
- Support the development of strategic partnerships that enable collaboration and accelerate delivery of economic priorities.
- Manage relationships with delivery partners and subcontractors to ensure timely delivery, contractual compliance, and consistent quality standards.
Programme Leadership and Research
- Develop, implement, and deliver projects and programmes for EO and our partner organisations to maximise sustainable and inclusive economic growth- maximising benefits to businesses and residents.
- Provide specialist economic development knowledge and work collaboratively with Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business, Skills and Investment teams to deliver shared objectives.
- Support the development and delivery of the Enterprise Zone Opportunities Pipeline and reinvestment of retained business rates.
- Develop and maintain an understanding of Oxfordshire's economic strengths, challenges and growth opportunities.
- Evaluate economic and programme outcomes, demonstrating impact and value for money.
- Lead the compilation of reports and presentations as required for the Board, EO corporate publications, sharing of inward investment intelligence, and reporting against KPIs.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of EO’s annual business plan and prepare board papers and briefings for consideration and decision by the Senior Leadership Team, Stakeholder Board, and Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet as required.
Financial and Resource Management
- Manage associated programme budgets, ensuring delivery remains within agreed financial parameters and funding conditions.
Location
While this role is predominantly home-based, a visible presence across Oxfordshire is essential. The postholder will regularly engage with businesses, local authorities, universities and partner organisations throughout the county. As such, candidates must live within reasonable commuting distance of Oxfordshire and be able to travel frequently across the county to attend meetings, events and stakeholder engagement activities. Office working is available via Oxfordshire County Council offices.
Contract
This is a full time (30 hour week) fixed-term position until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to ongoing funding.
Secondments
We welcome applications on a secondment basis from employees of all Oxfordshire local authorities. Applicants wishing to apply on secondment should seek approval from their line manager before submitting an application.
Timeline
Deadline for application: 9am on Monday 16th November 2026/ ongoing
Shortlisting likely W/b 16th November 2026
Interviews likely to be held on Wednesday 25th or Thursday 26th November 2026.
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
