At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative programmes to drive inclusive economic growth in Berkshire.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Skills and Business Hub focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the economy while building strong partnerships and influencing policy.
- Qualifications: Experience in economic development and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – Maidenhead office base
Closing date: 09:00, Monday 19 January 2026
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving inclusive economic growth? The Skills and Business Hub is seeking a Head of Sector and Cluster Development to design and deliver a pioneering programme that brings together employers, stakeholders, and policy makers to shape the future of Berkshire’s economy.
What this role entails:
- Lead the development of sector and cluster strategies aligned with the UK Industrial Strategy and Berkshire Economic Strategy.
- Use data and insight to inform action and create meaningful impact.
- Build strong partnerships with businesses, local authorities, and education providers.
- Influence policy and drive innovation across key sectors.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Proven experience in economic development or business strategy.
- Ability to convene and lead multi-stakeholder networks.
- Strong analytical skills and understanding of sector development principles.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with excellent communication skills.
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Pension: 7% employer contribution
- Flexible working and hybrid arrangements
- Life assurance and Medicash plan
Send your CV and a one-page cover letter to careers@skillsandbusinesshub.org by 09:00 on Monday 19 January 2026. For an informal discussion, contact Martine Baker at martinebaker@skillsandbusinesshub.org.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Business Development and Strategy/Planning
Industries: Education and Economic Programs
Head of Sector and Cluster Development employer: The Skills and Business Hub
The Skills and Business Hub is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Maidenhead that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including 27 days of annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring our team can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on Berkshire's economy.
Contact Details:
The Skills and Business Hub Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sector and Cluster Development
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like The Skills and Business Hub!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Head of Sector and Cluster Development position at The Skills and Business Hub via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sector and Cluster Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at The Skills and Business Hub.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to The Skills and Business Hub’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Skills and Business Hub
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to The Skills and Business Hub. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at The Skills and Business Hub. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to The Skills and Business Hub.
