An exciting opportunity to join the Place and Sector Development Team as a Senior Economic Development Officer. As a member of the team you will play a vital role in strengthening the Devon economy by improving digital connectivity across the County.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership for broadband and mobile connectivity initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Council's wider Strategic Plan and economic development priorities.
* Oversee performance management and delivery of broadband contracts, monitoring delivery against targets, reporting and evaluating outcomes, risk management, and identifying opportunities to improve effectiveness, value for money and impact.
* Develop and maintain strong senior level partnerships with network suppliers, government departments, regulators and key delivery partners.
* Lead government lobbying and engagement, representing the Council's interests on national broadband and mobile connectivity priorities.
* Support Members, rural communities and hard‑to‑reach communities in responding to ongoing connectivity challenges.
* Facilitate delivery of voucher schemes to support broadband and mobile connectivity.
* Offer flexible working arrangements such as hybrid working, part‑time, condensed hours etc.
* Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, sharing the Council’s commitment to this.
* Ensure the role is performed with confidence and fluency in English.
Required Experience and Attributes
* Experience in economic development, infrastructure delivery or digital connectivity, ideally within the public sector.
* Proven ability to operate at a senior level, working confidently with Members, senior officers, suppliers and key external stakeholders.
* Experience of programme or project management, including oversight of capital funding and performance reporting.
* Strong partnership working, negotiation and influencing skills.
* Robust understanding of the challenges facing rural digital connectivity, and ability to translate national policy into effective local delivery.
* Results‑focused approach, using data, evidence and evaluation to drive improvement and demonstrate impact.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
Other Information
We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.
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