Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment
Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment

Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support local economic growth and improve employment and skills outcomes through various projects.
  • Company: North Northamptonshire Council, dedicated to community development and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: Passion for economic development and experience in project management or community engagement.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Economic Growth & Sustainability is part of the Council’s Place & Economy Directorate and spans activities from inward investment and business support to external funding, programme management, digital and electric vehicle infrastructure, climate change and sustainable living. External funding is a crucial element of the team’s work, responsible for identifying opportunities, developing business cases, bids, and submissions to secure funding to support economic growth and regeneration, and implementing robust processes to ensure resources deliver improved outcomes. This involves bidding in competition with other areas and securing funding which has been provisionally allocated and requires 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 stakeholder engagement to inform prioritised interventions and political support from MPs. Details of UKSPF activities are available at the Shared Prosperity Fund | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk).

Whilst the UKSPF programme is coming to an end in March 2026, the team is working on new funding programmes including the Pride in Place initiative to regenerate three local communities in Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough. Business support activities include site visits and business owner meetings to discuss issues impacting local enterprises, triage to signpost to specialist help, and engagement through the North Northants Business Forum.

With North Northants a target for housing growth, inward investment is important. The team has handled investments by Iron Mountain, Ball Corporation, Navarra, and Nike. The team manages the Superfast Northamptonshire initiative to bring digital connectivity, with Phase 4 delivered through Project Gigabit led by BDUK, and the North Northamptonshire Electric Vehicle Initiative (NNEVI) with a strategy adopted in 2024 to expand EV charging. The team has secured almost £2.9m from Government to invest with the private sector to build, operate and maintain the network.

The team also leads the Council’s climate change strategy, including the Carbon Management Plan, and is developing a Local Area Energy Plan for North Northants. It works across departments and with external partners to embed sustainability into policy, promote carbon reduction, support sustainable employment and skills programmes, and align inward investment with environmental priorities. Other initiatives include the Northamptonshire e-scooter trial with Voi Technology.

The focus of this role is economic development, specifically skills and employment, working with partners such as the Department of Work & Pensions and Job Centre Plus to provide support for local people seeking employment and training through Job Fairs and wraparound support. The Council’s Economic Growth Strategy provides the framework for these activities.

What you’ll be doing: 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 focusing on improving Employment and Skills outcomes.

Benefits:

  • a competitive salary
  • a pension scheme, with a significant employer contribution, life cover and ill-health protection
  • opportunities to develop skills and knowledge in a large unitary council
  • generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) plus bank holidays and the option to buy up to 10 extra days
  • hybrid and flexible working arrangements where practicable to support work-life balance

We offer Employee Assistance Programme, Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, HMRC travel rates, and active Employee Network Groups.

About Us: Values and Behaviours: Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy.

Key Commitments: We are proud to be Disability Confident and are committed to inclusive recruitment. North Northamptonshire Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2024 and is working toward Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment employer: North Northamptonshire Council

North Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and generous benefits including a robust pension scheme and extensive leave entitlement. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive work culture, the Council fosters a collaborative environment where staff can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local economic growth and sustainability.
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Contact Detail:

North Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, job fairs, or even online webinars related to economic development and skills. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for economic growth and community support. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their projects and initiatives.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the Council’s recent projects and funding initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you stand out in conversations. Plus, it shows that you're genuinely interested in what they do and how you can fit into their plans.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that 'Apply Now' button and let’s get started!

We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment

Stakeholder Engagement
Business Case Development
Funding Bid Writing
Programme Management
Project Management
Economic Development
Community Engagement
Data Analysis
Sustainability Knowledge
Policy Development
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Project Officer in Economic Development, Skills & Employment. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting local businesses and communities.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to economic growth, funding applications, or stakeholder engagement. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully managed projects or secured funding in the past!

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 role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.

How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Project Officer role, especially around economic development and skills. Familiarise yourself with the Council’s Economic Growth Strategy and recent projects like the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your experience in working with various partners. Prepare examples of past collaborations or initiatives where you’ve successfully engaged stakeholders to achieve a common goal.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in securing funding or managing projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving abilities.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s future projects or the Council’s approach to sustainability and economic growth. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your career goals.

Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment
North Northamptonshire Council
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