At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow strategic relationships with businesses in West Yorkshire.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on business engagement and community support.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days leave, free travel, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a modern office just minutes from Leeds Train Station.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local businesses and the economy while shaping support systems.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship-building skills and understanding of the business support ecosystem.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Fixed Term until March 2027
Full time - 37 hours per week
Leeds / Hybrid
We currently have a vacancy for a Business Engagement and Relationship Lead to join our Business Engagement team. This role is a fixed‑term secondment until March 2027 and is integral to building and maintaining relationships with our West Yorkshire business community.
Key Account Management focuses on larger organisations that are important employers in the region and those with high growth potential to facilitate strong relationships and ease access to business support. It is an exciting time as we implement our new business support model for the West Yorkshire Business Growth Hub, giving you the opportunity to shape how businesses are supported, connected and enabled to thrive.
If you enjoy leading senior relationships and working across public‑private partnerships, this is a rare and rewarding opportunity to help deliver a more inclusive, prosperous West Yorkshire. In this role, you will act as a visible and trusted contact for business leaders, working at pace to remove barriers to growth and unlock opportunity. You will shape and champion a joined‑up, responsive system of business support, bringing people and organisations together to ensure businesses get the right support at the right time. This will involve developing partnerships with local authorities and business support providers across the public and private sectors to turn ambition into impact.
This is a role for someone who thrives on influence, collaboration and problem‑solving – who has excellent relationship building skills, and wants to make a tangible difference to businesses, jobs and the economy across the region.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi‑time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family‑friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2‑minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the Inclusive Economy Manager, your key responsibilities will include:
- Lead and grow strategic relationships with businesses across West Yorkshire.
- Build strong relationships across the business support ecosystem, including local authorities and partners to better support business needs.
- Drive impact, performance and delivery against regional growth priorities by achieving KPIs, and taking a proactive approach to business engagement in line with the organisation’s Local Growth Plan.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- Understanding of the West Yorkshire business market and business support ecosystem.
- Ability to lead, influence and work across complex partnerships.
- Although there is no current line management responsibility required in this role right now, leadership and people management experience, or a desire to progress to this, is ideal.
- Strategic thinking with strong communication and problem‑solving skills, and a can‑do attitude.
Business Engagement and Relationship Lead employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering flexible working options and a supportive work culture. With a focus on building impactful relationships within the West Yorkshire business community, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of local businesses while enjoying generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, free travel across the region, and a competitive pension scheme. This role not only allows you to make a tangible difference but also supports your personal and professional development in a vibrant, modern workspace.
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Engagement and Relationship Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local business events and meet-ups in West Yorkshire to connect with potential employers and industry leaders. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you see a company you’re keen on, drop them a message on LinkedIn or via email. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage your existing connections. Talk to friends, family, or former colleagues who might know someone in the business support ecosystem. A personal introduction can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! We regularly post new roles, and applying through our site gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on what we’re doing in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Engagement and Relationship Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Engagement and Relationship Lead role. Highlight your experience in building relationships and working with businesses, as this is key to what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that show how you’ve successfully influenced and collaborated with others in a business context.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting businesses and making a difference in the community.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Business Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the West Yorkshire business market. Familiarise yourself with key players, local authorities, and the current business support ecosystem. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Relationship Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Think about specific instances where your influence led to positive outcomes. This role is all about collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders will be crucial.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic thinking and problem-solving. Consider how you would tackle challenges faced by businesses in the region. Presenting a clear thought process on how to drive impact and performance will show that you're aligned with their mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation's objectives. Inquire about their new business support model or how they measure success in building partnerships. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their vision for a prosperous West Yorkshire.
