Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than once per month. Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent Interview Date: Stakeholder Panel Interviews – 6th and 8th July 2026. Formal Interviews – 9th and 10th July 2026. About us At Central Bedfordshire Council, we play a vital role in shaping place and community. We're an ambitious organisation delivering innovative projects and services that help our residents, businesses and communities thrive. We want Central Bedfordshire to be a great place to live, work and invest, and we're committed to creating sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits everyone. Just as we want the best for our communities, we want the best for our people. We value our teams, offering flexible and hybrid working, opportunities for professional development and a collaborative culture where people can make a real difference. We're looking for a Head of Investment, Employment & Skills, someone who brings more than technical expertise. We want a strategic leader, a collaborator and an ambassador who understands how to attract investment, support businesses to grow and create opportunities for residents to develop the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow. If you know how to turn ambition into action, build strong partnerships and deliver real outcomes for communities, this could be the role for you. About the role This is a high profile leadership role in our Place and Communities Directorate within Development and Economy, responsible for leading the Council's business growth, inward investment, employment and skills agenda. You’ll be at the forefront of delivering Central Bedfordshire’s economic ambitions, helping to position the area as a destination of choice for inward investment, innovation and business growth. Working across local, regional and national partnerships, you’ll ensure that economic opportunities translate into jobs, skills and prosperity for our residents. The role oversees a significant portfolio of activity, including inward investment, business support, employment programmes and skills initiatives, managing funding streams of approximately £4.2 million per annum and leading relationships with employers, education providers, government agencies and regional partners. You will also act as a strategic lead across key partnerships including the South Midlands Authorities, Oxford‑Cambridge Growth Corridor, Growth Hub Board and Careers Hub Board, helping to shape the future economic direction of the area. What we want from you
Has significant leadership experience in economic development, inward investment, business support and or employment and skills. Has a proven track record of securing inward investment, funding and delivering complex economic growth programmes. Understands how to build strong partnerships across businesses, education, government and the wider public sector. Is ambitious for growth, innovation and continuous improvement. Can influence, negotiate and communicate effectively at the highest levels. Brings energy, resilience and a focus on delivery. Leads with authenticity, integrity and respect. Can inspire teams and bring people with them on the journey.
Formal qualifications are less important than your experience, leadership style and ability to deliver results. However, a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as economics, business management, public administration or economic development would be advantageous. This is more than a leadership role. It's an opportunity to influence the future prosperity of one of the UK's most significant growth areas, helping businesses thrive, attracting investment, creating opportunities and ensuring residents have access to the skills they need to succeed. You will play a key role in delivering the ambitions of Vision 2050, our Economic Strategy and Skills for All Strategy, helping to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive and benefits communities across Central Bedfordshire. Selection Process Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a comprehensive assessment process reflecting the strategic importance of the role.
Stakeholder Panel Interviews – 6th and 8th July 2026 Formal Interviews – 9th and 10th July 2026
Candidates should ensure they are available on all dates, as participation in all stages of the assessment process will be required. Our Offer We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page. Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process. Safeguarding Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records. To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council’s policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline. We are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered. #J-18808-Ljbffr