At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local economic growth by attracting investment and promoting North Northamptonshire as a business hub.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team focused on sustainability and community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Engage with local businesses and stakeholders to drive positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of economic development and help shape a greener future.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or related field; experience in economic development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Economic Growth & Sustainability is part of the Council’s Place & Economy Directorate and spans different activities from inward investment and business support to external funding and programme management, to digital and electric vehicle infrastructure, to climate change and sustainable living. External funding is a crucial element of the team’s work. It is responsible for identifying opportunities, developing business cases, bids, and submissions to secure funding to support economic growth and regeneration, and putting in place robust processes and systems to ensure that resources are targeted to deliver improved outcomes.
This involves a mixture of bidding in competition with other areas and securing funding which has been provisionally allocated to the area but requires the submission of an Investment Plan or similar case to confirm and drawdown the allocation. In recent years, the team has managed one of the largest Community Renewal Fund programmes in England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) with over £10m secured for local projects supporting businesses, communities, and skills. Pivotal to this was being able to demonstrate stakeholder engagement to inform the interventions that would be prioritised for support through this funding, and political support from the areas’ MPs.
Business support activities include site visits and business owner meetings to support and discuss issues impacting local enterprises. The team uses a triage system to signpost businesses to sources of specialist help. This is aided through the North Northants Business Forum which brings together the main public sector organisations, business networks and partners representing local businesses in the area. The Council is a member of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce and sponsors the most Innovative Business of the Year category alongside West Northants Council. It also attends local business events and meetings to explain the services offered by the Council, gather intelligence, take ‘soundings,’ and provide advice and support.
With North Northants a target for housing growth, it is vital that new businesses are attracted to support the growing population and reduce out-commuting. Inward investment is an important activity for the team. Some of the recent enquiries which the team has dealt with include investments by Iron Mountain (Information Management Services), Ball Corporation (Manufacturing), Navarra (Manufacturing), and Nike (Sports).
The team manages the Superfast Northamptonshire initiative which is bringing new investment in digital connectivity to Northamptonshire. Attention has shifted to Phase 4 of the initiative which will be delivered through Project Gigabit led nationally by the Government Agency Building Digital UK (BDUK). This will focus on premises which have not benefitted from gigabit connectivity through previous phases, or are outside of commercial coverage, or planned coverage with delivery through Cityfibre.
The team also manages the North Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Initiative (NNEVI) with the NNEVI Strategy adopted in 2024. A key objective of the strategy is the expansion of the EV charging network in the area to cover all the towns and serve the wider rural area. The team has secured almost £2.9m from Government to invest alongside the private sector to build, operate and maintain this network.
The team also has a key role in leading the Council’s strategic approach to climate change, which includes the Carbon Management Plan and Climate Change Strategy, which was adopted last year, and in shaping North Northamptonshire’s transition to a greener, more resilient future. This also included the recent publication of a Local Area Energy Plan for North Northants. The team supports the delivery of strategic projects that enable environmental resilience, adoption of low-carbon technologies, and sustainable development across the area.
Other initiatives led by the team include the management of the Northamptonshire e-scooter trial with Voi Technology. This provides an important, green and low cost transport mode for accessing employment and training.
The prime focus of the Project Officer role within the Economic Growth & Sustainability team is attracting inward investment to the area. They will be the first port of call for most inward investment enquiries. This will include working with developers, land owners, commercial agents, statutory agencies, and potential occupiers. Internally, the role will liaise with colleagues in planning, highways and assets teams.
The Council is proactive at events such as UKREIIF, and the role will be expected to support this work and other similar activity including through attendance. The Council’s Economic Growth Strategy, adopted last year, provides the strategic framework for these and other activities, including the Space to Grow initiative.
The purpose of this job is to support growth of the local economy and promote North Northamptonshire as a great place to do business, visit and live. The Postholder will undertake a range of projects and initiatives that will principally focus on attracting inward investment and jobs to the area.
- Act as a Council Key contact for employers within North Northamptonshire
- Deliver, assist and co-ordinate projects and programmes, particularly relating to Inward Investment, to support the delivery of the Economic Growth Strategy for North Northamptonshire and annual Service Plan, including attendance at and organising partner meetings, business events and exhibitions
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners in particular businesses, investors and commercial agents to help ensure a co-ordinated and effective approach to Inward Investment across North Northamptonshire
- Support the development and delivery of Inward Investment initiatives relating to North Northamptonshire including the identification and promotion of investable sites for strategic employment land
- Work with employers and partner organisations to deliver and support Inward Investment initiatives.
- Contribute to KPI monitoring and the production of analysis, reports, strategies and presentations on the local economy, including regular monitoring of employment sites.
- Help maintain a CRM system to help track and support local business enquiries and interactions with the Council.
- Monitor and report local, regional and national trends that may impact North Northamptonshire’s economy especially in relation to inward Investment.
- To demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behavioural, physical, social and welfare needs.
About you
- Qualifications: Educated to degree level or equivalent in Business, planning, Geography or related
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Membership of a professional body
- Experience and knowledge of economic development project delivery focussed on Inward Investment, within a local or central government context, with demonstrable and proven record of achievement in the same.
- Knowledge and understanding of Business and Business Support and its relevance to Inward Investment and in helping businesses overcome issues, promote growth and ensure business retention.
- Clear understanding of local, regional and national economic development and Inward Investment issues and how they impact the area.
- Ability to analyse and present complex information clearly
- Strong numeracy and IT skills including competency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook.
- Ability to demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs.
Project Officer Economic Development & Inward Investment in Kettering employer: North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment focused on economic growth and sustainability. With a commitment to employee development and community engagement, the Council provides opportunities for professional growth while actively contributing to the regeneration of local areas. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to work in the heart of North Northamptonshire.
Contact Detail:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer Economic Development & Inward Investment in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local business events and engage with stakeholders. This is your chance to showcase your enthusiasm for economic growth and sustainability while making valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Contact potential employers directly, express your interest in their projects, and ask how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your knowledge! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, highlight your understanding of local economic trends and how they relate to inward investment. This will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to promote North Northamptonshire as a fantastic place to do business.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer Economic Development & Inward Investment in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Project Officer role. Highlight your experience in economic development and inward investment, and show how your skills align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on projects or roles that relate to economic growth, funding bids, or stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how they connect to the responsibilities of the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key aspects of economic development and inward investment. Familiarise yourself with recent projects, like the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and be ready to discuss how they impact local businesses and communities.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
This role involves building relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with businesses or partners in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and foster collaboration.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role requires monitoring trends and analysing data, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions or strategies in previous roles, especially in relation to economic growth.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
With a focus on climate change and sustainable living, show your enthusiasm for these topics. Discuss any relevant experience or initiatives you've been involved in that align with the Council's goals for a greener future.
