Head of Economic Growth and Strategic Regeneration
Location: Luton
Contract role for 3 months
Rate: £459.67/day Inside IR35
Purpose of Role
Endeavour Recruitment and their client are seeking an experienced senior leader to act as the organisation’s lead expert on economic growth and strategic regeneration. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and coordinate the client’s approach to economic development, regeneration, and inclusive growth.
This role will involve bringing together internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programmes and projects that support sustainable prosperity across the Borough.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Advisory
Serve as the principal professional adviser on economic growth and strategic regeneration matters.
Represent the client organisation at local, regional, and national levels.
Support the Service Director in developing the service’s mission, vision, and strategic planning in line with the Inclusive Economy Strategy.
Programme & Project Delivery
Lead the delivery of the Inclusive Economy Strategy, Town Centre Master Plan, and related action plans.
Promote regeneration, economic development, and job creation, reducing socio-economic disparities.
Secure significant grant funding from central government and other agencies.
Ensure robust project management, compliant procurement, and budget control for multi-million-pound regeneration projects.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development
Build and maintain relationships with public and private sector partners to deliver joint initiatives.
Lead inward investment activities and develop business cases to support regeneration.
Engage with community groups, businesses, and regional partners to promote the area as a hub for investment and growth.
Performance & Resource Management
Develop performance frameworks to measure regeneration outcomes.
Lead, inspire, and develop a multi-disciplinary team.
Commission and manage external consultants and specialist advisers as required.
Organisation Structure
Reports to: Director – Inclusive Economy
Direct reports include:
Economic Growth and Regeneration Manager (M6)
Programme Managers (Community Wealth Building, Business & Inward Investment, Economic Growth – M4)
Economic Growth Manager (M1)
Town Centre Project Officer (M1)
Key Dimensions
Financial: Management of regeneration programmes with a book value of ~£40m and overall regeneration plans exceeding £3bn.
Supervisory: Two direct reports plus responsibility for managing commissioned consultants and project teams.
Person Specification
Essential:
Proven leadership in strategic regeneration and/or economic growth.
Track record of securing significant grant funding.
Strong stakeholder engagement experience.
Senior management and leadership capability.
Negotiation, change management, and senior-level communication skills.
Experience managing substantial capital budgets.
In-depth knowledge of regeneration best practice and the UK’s economic development policy context.
Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience.
Highly self-motivated and independent.
Desirable:
RICS registered valuer status.
RICS, RIBA, or RTPI accreditation.
Experience preparing viability and feasibility studies for urban regeneration projects.
Equality & Compliance
The post holder will ensure that all work is delivered in line with Endeavour Recruitment and their client’s policies on:
Equal Opportunities
Health & Safety
Data Protection Act (2018) & GDPR (2018)
GCSx Acceptable Usage Policy (where applicable)
Context
This senior leadership role is critical to delivering the client’s Inclusive Economy Strategy and Town Centre Master Plan, aligning with a £5bn regeneration programme in progress. The work will encompass business investment promotion, inward investment attraction, town centre revitalisation, community wealth building, and enhancing the visitor economy