Head of Economic Growth

Venn Group; England; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an interim Head of Economic Growth and Strategic Regeneration to shape and deliver economic development strategies. This senior role requires significant experience in economic policy, project management, and stakeholder engagement to drive measurable impacts in the borough.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in economic development and/or strategic regeneration.
• Strong track record in managing large capital budgets and funding bids.
• Deep understanding of economic policy and planning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of borough-wide economic development strategies.
• Engage with public, private, and voluntary sectors to unlock growth opportunities.
• Commission and oversee specialist research and feasibility work.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Leadership

Project management

Job description

Head of Economic Growth
Location: Luton, England
Duration: 3–6 months
Rate: £600–£650 per day - negotiable(Inside IR35, via umbrella)

Venn Group are supporting the recruitment of an interim Head of Economic Growth and Strategic Regeneration, a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering borough-wide economic development and regeneration strategies.

Key Responsibilities:
• Act as the Council’s lead advisor on economic growth and strategic regeneration initiatives
• Drive the delivery of the Inclusive Economy Strategy and Town Centre Master Plan
• Lead partnership engagement across public, private, and voluntary sectors to unlock investment and growth opportunities
• Represent the authority at regional and national level, promoting economic ambition and securing funding streams
• Commission and oversee specialist research, feasibility work, and external expert input
• Develop strong business cases, project plans, and performance frameworks to track outcomes
• Shape policy and planning to ensure inclusive growth, job creation, and spatial equity

Key Requirements:
• Significant senior-level experience in economic development and/or strategic regeneration
• Strong track record of stakeholder engagement and partnership working
• Demonstrable experience managing large capital budgets and funding bids
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Deep understanding of economic policy, planning frameworks, and regeneration delivery models
• Proven ability to lead cross-sector programmes, drive innovation, and deliver measurable impact

If you’re a strategic leader with the vision and drive to shape inclusive economic outcomes - we’d love to hear from you, please apply!