An exciting opportunity to join the team as an Economic Development Manager in the newly created Place and Sector Development Team has become available. The role is a permanent role with full time hours and will focus on supporting the coordination and facilitation of sector development and business support projects.
The team has been established to create a more coherent, agile and coordinated approach to economic development delivery services across the council, strengthening collaboration, reducing duplication and ensuring clearer accountability for outcomes.
A good understanding of the economic landscape in Devon and the current challenges and opportunities is essential. As well as knowledge of sectors that are strategically important to Devon’s economy, including health and care, construction and the built environment, agrifood and Agri-tech, tourism and hospitality, digital and advanced manufacturing, and marine, coastal and renewable energy. The post holder will take on responsibility from the outset, requiring the successful candidate to be flexible with a willingness to embrace a forward thinking and dynamic team environment.
The successful candidate will ideally also have extensive experience in project delivery and/or business engagement and support. Due to the nature of the role is it essential that they are:
1. Instrumental in helping to shape strategic development of priority sectors across the region, with scope to influence change.
2. Playing a significant role in developing the “Devon Offer” which in turn will help to successfully deliver multiple projects and programmes funded through different mechanisms including external funders and core DCC monies.
3. Responsible for; project and programme design and securing external funding through bid writing and working with multiple partners to create regenerative change within the Devon Economy and its Communities.
4. Building proactive trusted relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, working in partnership and collaborating on projects with Business/Sector related organisations.
Devon County Council has an Agile Working policy to demonstrate commitment to supporting a positive work-life balance for employees and a commitment to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. Agile working is an important element of the strategy for adapting to, and thriving in, the working environment following the coronavirus pandemic.