At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment projects and collaborate with local authorities to drive economic growth.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Growth Company, a key player in regional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, hybrid working, and a company pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community and shape the future of the West Midlands.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery and strong stakeholder collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Ready for Your Next Big Career Move? We’re looking for an ambitious Place Specialist to join the West Midlands Growth Company and make a real impact from day one. If you’re driven, curious, and hungry for growth, this could be your perfect next step.
Who are we? The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is the region’s economic development delivery organisation. From April 2026, we will lead the delivery of regionally commissioned economic development activity aligned to the West Midlands Growth Plan, working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities. We are building a sharper, business-focused organisation that attracts investment, supports high-growth companies and drives measurable economic impact. If you want your work to shape how growth is delivered across one of the UK’s most important regions, this is your opportunity.
The Role
As our new Place Specialist, you’ll join a forward thinking, collaborative team that values fresh ideas and innovation. This is a genuine opportunity to take ownership of meaningful projects, influence decision making, and help shape the future direction of the business. You’ll be involved in:
- Leading and Converting Local Investment Projects - Own and drive inward and capital investment opportunities for your designated Local Authority (LA), progressing them from qualified interest through to successful conversion.
- Acting as the Strategic Interface Between WMGC and the Local Authority - Serve as the primary broker, ensuring LA priorities, assets, and propositions are fully integrated into regional investment activity and that the LA accesses the full breadth of WMGC expertise.
- Coordinating Localised Place Promotion, Reporting, and Pipeline Management - Lead location specific investment promotion activity, maintain integrated pipeline records, and provide high quality performance and governance reporting.
The role will require coverage across one of the following West Midlands locations: Solihull, Walsall, Birmingham, or Wolverhampton.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Take ownership of investment projects once interest narrows to a specific LA, driving progression and ensuring seamless transition through statutory processes.
- Develop compelling investment propositions and marketing collateral in collaboration with LA operational teams to strengthen market readiness.
- Facilitate direct engagement with LA service teams, ensuring investor requirements receive a proactive and coherent response.
- Build and maintain relationships with key local stakeholders such as developers, commercial agents, and property partners to ensure the local offer is credible and current.
- Coordinate contractual, place-specific investment promotion activity, leveraging regional WMGC resources to fulfil commitments.
- Act as a knowledge hub across a cohort of Place Specialists, contributing local insights to regional strategy and providing cross-territory operational cover.
- Support Strategic Account Management (SAM) collaboration, ensuring LA interactions with key companies are aligned and effectively delivered.
What You’ll Bring
Essential:
- Proven investment or project delivery experience, demonstrating a hands-on, results-driven mindset.
- Strong stakeholder brokerage capability, with the ability to influence and collaborate with LA operational leads, developers, and commercial agents.
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex projects, navigating statutory functions and leading them to completion.
- Collaborative working style, contributing to a regional team and providing operational cover across territories when required.
Desirable:
- Background in economic development, place-based growth, or business support programmes within a multi-agency environment.
- Familiarity with commercial property databases and performance monitoring systems.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- 26 days holiday
- Company pension scheme including life assurance
- Hybrid working with 2 days in the office
- Cycle to work
- Simple Health employee membership scheme
Equal Opportunities Statement
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Place Specialist employer: Reedglobal
The West Midlands Growth Company is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that shape the economic landscape of the West Midlands, all while enjoying benefits such as 26 days of holiday, a company pension scheme, and hybrid working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful difference in one of the UK's most vital regions and be part of a team that values diverse perspectives and fosters an inclusive culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Place Specialist
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Reedglobal, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Reedglobal and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Place Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Reedglobal and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reedglobal
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Reedglobal, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Reedglobal.
