Business Support Executive

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a proactive Business Support Executive to help identify high-growth businesses and provide them with dedicated support. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to assess business needs to guide clients to the appropriate resources. This role offers a salary of £34,434 per annum and hybrid working solutions.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Flexible working options

Performance-related pay progression

Qualifications

• Confidently assess business needs and identify suitable solutions.
• Comfortable triaging enquiries and guiding businesses.
• Understand challenges small businesses face and offer clear advice.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for ambitious businesses.
• Work with colleagues to coordinate support events.
• Identify high-growth firms and support their needs.

Skills

Client needs assessment

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

Overview

- Suffolk County Council

- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid working

- Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)

- Hours: 37 hours per week

- Contract: Fixed term or secondment to 31/3/2026 (funding)

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Business Support Executive to identify high-growth businesses with an aspiration to grow while also supporting events and communications for the team to help us provide a dedicated high growth triage support to Suffolk businesses. The prime focus of this job is to undertake an initial triage to identify high growth clients for the High Growth Adviser to take on or broker to other support if they are not suitable for the program.

If you’re passionate about finding new solutions and making a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• You’ll be the first point of contact for ambitious Suffolk businesses looking to grow. Each day, you’ll speak with business owners, understand their needs, and help guide them to the right support—whether that’s through our High Growth Adviser or other services.
• You’ll work closely with colleagues, coordinate events, and help shape the future of business support in the region.
• Identify high-growth firms and shape programme targets.
• Respond promptly and professionally to business enquiries; manage inbox and track responses.
• Virtual client meetings to assess needs and confirm support eligibility.
• Apply a standardised triage and referral model for consistent service delivery.
• Work with the High Growth Adviser to identify and support high-potential businesses.
• Organise workshops, seminars, and events to deliver programme objectives.
• Maintain accurate CRM records of client interactions and referrals.
• Promote the High Growth Programme via social media, newsletters, and events.
• Work with other teams to capture business case studies.
• Adhere to Suffolk County Council’s quality and financial procedures.

What you’ll need

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about supporting Suffolk’s businesses with an ambition to grow. If you enjoy working with businesses, spotting opportunities, and offering client centric support that makes a real difference, this could be the role for you.

• Can confidently assess business needs and help identify the right solutions.
• Comfortable triaging enquiries, asking the right questions, and guiding businesses to the most suitable help across a range of sectors and sizes.
• Understands the challenges small businesses face and can offer clear, tailored advice that builds trust and confidence.
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to explain things clearly to different audiences.
• Excellent coordination and planning skills to support one to many delivery.
• The ability to support the promotion of the service you are delivering.
• A good understanding of business functions and business stages.
• The ability to work consistently to standard approaches.
• Experience working with external partners like Growth Hubs, enterprise agencies or chambers of commerce as well as the wider support landscape.
• The ability to manage your own workload, stay organised, and meet deadlines.

Other information

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team: This role comes under the Suffolk Economy Team, part of the Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure Directorate, focused on delivering long-term, sustainable economic growth across Suffolk. You’ll be joining a dynamic and forward-thinking team dedicated to supporting high-growth businesses with ambitions to grow in Suffolk. Our approach is delivered through North Star – a productised, standardised model of support designed to ensure consistency and impact. We’re passionate about learning, improving, and innovating.

Empowering Everyone: We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups underrepresented in the organisation.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Can you talk through an example when you had to assess a client’s needs quickly and accurately? How did you ensure you identified the right support and actions for them?
2. Can you provide an example of when you facilitated a group session or event for business owners or entrepreneurs? How did you manage this and client engagement?
3. Can you provide an example of how you have used digital tools or platforms to enhance communication and engagement in your work? How did you work with other teams to support this?
4. Can you talk through an example of where you’ve used established procedures to help businesses? What difference did it make for the businesses you supported, and how did it help you and your organisation?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 13 October 2025.

Interview date: 21 October 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Benefits

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Closing note: If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).