Lancaster City Council is investing in the future and continuing to develop an environment to support community and business prosperity, attract investment, promote community wealth building, drive climate change action, and develop the skills our businesses need. We want to build on our strengths to grow Lancaster district’s reputation as a great business location and investment opportunity, but also as an amazing place to live, work and play.
Lancaster district’s future is exciting, with significant developments in new energy, advanced manufacturing, retail, life sciences, leisure, and housing. The prospect of the Eden Project in Morecambe only adds to the momentum building in the region, as businesses and organisations recognise the potential on offer. Lancaster enjoys big city benefits – including excellent transport links, leading universities, world-class restaurants, and theatres. The district is home to diverse entrepreneurship which ranges from small and independent operations to large businesses and strong sectors, to nuclear energy facilities at Heysham.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the post of Community Wealth Building Officer within Economic Development at Lancaster City Council. The position will play a key role in the economic development of an inclusive economy; community and business recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and long-term resilience of the district.
This is fantastic opportunity to join a Business Support team that is at the heart of its local economy. The team carries out several functions including business engagement and support, enterprise assistance, community wealth building, delivering a green agenda and education and skills. The team works alongside economic partners to explore and undertake direct interventions and develop plans for a further inclusive economy. Also, the team has a significant role to play in providing business intelligence so that interventions, direct or otherwise, are evidence-led.
We are seeking an economic development professional that has proven experience in demonstrating key economic development and business support skills and achievements in community wealth building, responsible businesses and developing a local procurement agenda. You will have worked directly with communities and businesses to understand their development and support requirements, built networks and events programmes, and produced community and business communications to promote services. You must demonstrate that you are competent in research data and analysis, report writing, understanding of government policy, and using a wide range of communication channels including digital and social media.
You will be able to work in collaboration with economic and educational partner organisations and key community and business groups to influence the development of an inclusive economy and ensure results are delivered. You will support the council’s economic development funding activity by providing detailed research data and analysis to existing and new policies. You will be able to work proactively in conjunction with other officers supporting businesses to develop the priorities for the local economy.
A full current UK driving licence is essential, as the post holder will be required to travel in and outside the Lancaster district, including travelling to many early morning and evening networking events and seminars in locations that can be remote and not always near public transport.
The hours of work for this position are 37 per week, working Monday to Friday. You may be required from time to time to attend meetings or cover events that fall outside the normal hours of work, including weekends. This post is based at Lancaster Town Hall, but you may be required to work from other Council buildings as and when required. This post is permanent.
The Council currently operates an excellent Flexible Working Hours Scheme which applies to this post. Subject to the needs of this business, this may allow employees to work between the hours of 6:00am-10:30pm.
Earlier this year Lancaster City Council unanimously declared a climate emergency and will therefore work towards reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2030. As part of this role, you will be expected to participate and work towards reducing carbon emissions. while supporting businesses and organisations across the district to reach the same goal.
We are a Forces Friendly employer, and an Armed Forces Covenant committed organisation. We welcome applications from defence reserves and other members of our armed forces community.
Excellent benefits include: A Local Government Pension Scheme (the Council makes a 15.5% contribution). Discounted gym membership and discount on days out, activities and retail.
To apply
If you are interested in this exiting opportunity, please visit Lancaster City Council's job site: www.ats-lancaster.jgp.co.uk/vacanies
Closing date: 5pm, Thursday 22nd April 2021
Interview date: To be confirmed