Economic Development Analyst

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 30,990 - 37,877; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Annual leave up to 29 days (pro rata)

LGPS pension

Training and career development

Job summary

Suffolk County Council in Ipswich seeks an Economic Development Analyst to turn data into evidence-based insights. You will contribute to the Suffolk Economy Team, turning intelligence into investment and inclusive growth across the county.

You will build dashboards, create charts and reports, and collaborate with partners to support the Economic Strategy. A Level 5 qualification and strong communication are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• to work confidently with data - collecting it, sense-checking it, and explaining what it shows in plain English
• experience analysing economic, labour market, skills or business intelligence data (or closely related analytical experience)
• to be curious, proactive and happy learning new tools and methods as you go
• to have a Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject - for example economics, statistics, data science, business analytics, geography (economic development) or a quantitative social science

Responsibilities

• Join the Suffolk Economy Team and help turn data into action - so we can back better decisions, stronger investment and inclusive growth across Suffolk.
• Dig into the latest local, regional and national intelligence - and turn it into clear insight people can use.
• Work with colleagues and partners to keep our evidence base sharp and our strategy grounded in what's really happening in the economy.
• Spot patterns, explain what they mean, and present your findings in a way that makes busy people sit up and take notice.

Skills

Data analysis

Excel

Communication

Collaboration

Data visualization

Education

Level 5 qualification

Tools

Dashboards

Infographics

Job description

• 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, Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to the associated salary level, which does not meet the minimum requirements for a Skilled Worker visa. However, we may be able to sponsor under the new entrant route.

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We are not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our economy. As our new Economic Development Analyst, you will have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you are passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it's time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.

Reimagine the possibilities

Your role and responsibilities

• Join the Suffolk Economy Team and help turn data into action - so we can back better decisions, stronger investment and inclusive growth across Suffolk.
• Dig into the latest local, regional and national intelligence - and turn it into clear insight people can use.
• Work with colleagues and partners to keep our evidence base sharp and our strategy grounded in what's really happening in the economy.
• Spot patterns, explain what they mean, and present your findings in a way that makes busy people sit up and take notice.

What you will be doing

• Analysing economic data to understand trends, sector demand and what's changing across Suffolk
• Creating charts, reports and infographics that make complex information easy to digest
• Building dashboards and visualisations to track performance and support decisions
• Keeping on top of key datasets and share timely updates with colleagues and partners
• Being rigorous with sources, methods and assumptions so our analysis is consistent and transparent
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation - helping us measure what's working and where to improve
• Strengthening the evidence behind the Suffolk Economic Strategy, investment cases and funding proposals

You will need

• to work confidently with data - collecting it, sense-checking it, and explaining what it shows in plain English
• experience analysing economic, labour market, skills or business intelligence data (or you can show closely related analytical experience)
• to be curious, proactive and happy learning new tools and methods as you go
• to have a Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject - for example economics, statistics, data science, business analytics, geography (economic development) or a quantitative social science

What will help you thrive

• Strong Excel skills (functions, charts, pivot tables)
• A knack for turning analysis into great reporting and visuals (dashboards, graphs, presentations)
• Understanding of economic indicators and labour market trends
• Confidence working with large datasets and being meticulous about accuracy
• Great communication - you can explain the so what? to different audiences
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to fairness and inclusion

We would love to hear from you, especially if you're excited to bring fresh thinking and help us make a bigger impact through evidence.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile.

The team

Who we are

we are the Suffolk Economy Team in Growth, Highways & Infrastructure, leading the Suffolk Economic Strategy and the evidence behind it.

Who you will work with

colleagues across the council and external partners, from district and other county councils and businesses to education providers, government and VCSE organisations (and supporting the Suffolk Business Board).

Why it matters

your insight helps shape investment propositions, business support and place-based growth across Enterprise Zones, Freeport East and other hubs.

Where you will work

Endeavour House (Ipswich) with hybrid working. We expect around 40% of your time in the office, plus flexible options such as flexitime, time off in lieu and compressed hours (where it works for the service).

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Eunice Edwards (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact her initially by emailing: [e-mail]

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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.

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.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• 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

Plus lots more!

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) .