Economic Strategy and Inward Investment Manager

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking an Economic Strategy and Inward Investment Manager to drive economic development and inward investment for the county. This pivotal role will involve leading strategic initiatives, securing funding, and promoting Suffolk as a prime investment location through collaboration and innovative strategies.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in economic development
• Experience in designing economic interventions
• Confident in developing business cases

Responsibilities

• Lead economic interventions aligning with strategy
• Secure investment and develop strategic business cases
• Promote Suffolk's strengths to attract investment

Skills

Economic development

Investment strategies

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Job description

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council - Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid
• £46,670 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• 37 hours a week - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

This advert is open to current Suffolk County Council staff only

At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities. When you join us as the Economic Strategy and Inward Investment Manager, you'll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of Suffolk. Ready to reimagine your career and the impact you can make?

Your role and responsibilities

This is a pivotal role within the Suffolk Economy team, responsible for turning strategy into action and raising Suffolk's profile as a prime location for investment. On a daily basis, you will:

• turn strategy into impact by designing and leading bold, business-led economic interventions that bring the Suffolk Economic Strategy to life, working closely with the Suffolk Business Board to shape Suffolk's future economy
• spot opportunities and secure investment, developing strategic business cases and unlocking funding to deliver our clean, inclusive and productive growth ambitions
• champion Suffolk on the regional, national and international stage, promoting our sector strengths and investable propositions through targeted marketing and investor engagement
• connect Suffolk Businesses to global markets, supporting UK and foreign direct investment opportunities, and strengthening our position in key industries
• collaborate across sectors and borders, from government and academia to developers and entrepreneurs, with a strong focus on partnership through Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited
• lead a small, dynamic team that's passionate about creating change, delivering economic development and inward investment work.

You will need

• a strong background in economic development and inward investment
• experience of designing and developing economic interventions, investment strategies or cluster development
• confidence in developing business cases, securing funding and making the case for change
• excellent communications and influencing skills. You'll be comfortable in a boardroom, an innovation hub or a university lab
• the ability to lead projects, build partnerships and navigate complexity with energy and clarity
• passion for innovation, inclusion and building a better economic future for all.

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

• You'll join the Suffolk Economy Team - a collaborative, forward-thinking team that's driving the county's economic future. We're proud to work across sectors, support innovation, and connect ideas with action.
• Our work is shaped by the Suffolk Business Board, and we partner with local authorities, industry leaders, education and research institutions, and community organisations to make things happen.
• We operate a flexible, hybrid model - in a shared office at least three days a week with the wider team - and a strong commitment to learning, support and development.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're 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 (suffolk.gov.uk).

For more information

Please contact Jai Raithatha (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 07850 924722 or emailing [e-mail].

How to apply

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

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

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Can you describe a time when you led the development and implementation of an economic strategy? What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?
2. Tell me about a successful project where you attracted significant investment or new businesses to a region. What strategies did you use to secure funding and promote the area?
3. Describe a situation where you worked closely with colleagues from different departments or organisations to deliver a collaborative approach to inward investment. What was the outcome?
4. Tell me about a time when you identified and resolved a significant problem in delivering an economic project. What was the issue, and how did you address it

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 [e-mail] 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, 3 June 2025.

Interview date: 9 June 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

About Us

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).