Economic Development Officer in Reading

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included. Reading is one of the UK’s most dynamic and economically successful urban centres. We are ambitious for our future and are looking for an experienced and motivated Economic Development Officer to help drive forward our economic growth agenda and deliver positive outcomes for residents, businesses and partners across Reading and the wider Thames Valley. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward‑thinking council at a time of significant regional change and opportunity. You will play a key role in supporting major strategic initiatives including devolution proposals, regeneration programmes, the Berkshire Economic Strategy, and Reading’s Economic Development Framework.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities. We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

As Economic Development Officer, you will work across a wide range of strategic projects and partnerships to support inclusive economic growth, investment, skills development and workforce resilience. You will:

• Support the delivery of Reading Borough Council’s economic development priorities and regeneration programmes
• Build strong relationships with businesses, regional partners, government bodies and local stakeholders
• Support inward investment activity and promote Reading as a destination for business and innovation
• Contribute to the development of economic strategies, funding bids and policy initiatives
• Provide high‑quality research, analysis, reports and briefings for senior officers and elected members
• Support programmes focused on skills, employability and inclusive growth
• Work collaboratively with organisations including REDA, Business Improvement Districts and regional economic boards

This is a varied and high‑profile role offering the opportunity to influence long‑term economic priorities and contribute to transformational projects across the borough.

You will be an experienced and proactive professional with a strong understanding of economic development, regeneration, skills and business support within a local government or public sector environment. You will have experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, regional partners, elected members and senior officers, and will be confident operating within a politically sensitive environment. With excellent analytical, communication and report writing skills, you will be able to present complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences. You will also have experience of developing strategies, managing projects and contributing to funding bids, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outcomes to tight deadlines. Most importantly, you will be passionate about supporting inclusive economic growth and making a positive difference for Reading’s communities and businesses.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

• Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
• Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
• Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Sam Rackham, Director of Infrastructure, Economy and Capital Projects at Samuel.Rackham@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 28th June 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU