International Growth Lead

East Midlands Combined County Authority; Chesterfield; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) seeks an International Growth Lead to shape and deliver the region's international growth agenda. You will engage with government, partners and industry to drive inward investment, trade growth and lasting regional benefits.

The role requires senior stakeholder influence, strong negotiation, and the ability to lead high-profile engagement programmes. Hybrid working in Chesterfield and scope for international collaboration are key features.

Qualifications

• Experience developing international growth strategies.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders across government and industry.
• Knowledge of international trade and investment agendas.
• Excellent briefing, presentation and business-case skills.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Languages beyond English are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation and delivery of EMCCA's international strategy.
• Act as EMCCA's lead officer for international engagement and growth.
• Build strategic partnerships with UK government, international agencies, and trade bodies.
• Identify and prioritise international markets aligned to growth ambitions.
• Plan and deliver international trade missions and major events.
• Support leaders with international engagement programmes and briefings.
• Develop and manage pipelines of investment, trade and partnership opportunities.
• Represent the region to promote investment, innovation and sustainable growth.

Skills

International growth strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector understanding

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent

Job description

International Growth Lead

Salary: £48,738 to £54,143 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Chesterfield, S40 1SA

Working pattern: Hybrid - 3 days remote

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 9 Nov 2026

Closing date: 22 Nov 2026

Reports to: Head of Inward Investment and International

Location: Chesterfield (with hybrid working)

Directorate: Strategy and Inclusive Growth

The successful candidate will normally be appointed at the minimum point of the salary band, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

About EMCCA

East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) brings partners together to help make the East Midlands more prosperous, sustainable and fairer. We are an evolving organisation, moving our focus towards delivery against our Corporate Plan and building the people, systems and capability needed to turn our ambitions into results.

This makes it an exciting time to join us. You will have the opportunity to contribute to a developing organisation, shape how we work and help deliver meaningful outcomes for our region.

About the role

As International Growth Lead, you will lead the development, implementation and delivery of EMCCA's international growth agenda, positioning the East Midlands as a globally connected, competitive and investment-ready region. Acting as EMCCA's lead officer for international growth, you will identify and develop opportunities that drive inward investment, strengthen international partnerships, support trade growth and deliver lasting economic benefits for the region.

You will work closely with senior political leaders, government departments, international partners, businesses, universities and regional stakeholders, building strong relationships and influencing at the highest levels. This is a highly autonomous role requiring a confident self-starter who can take ownership, create momentum and deliver measurable outcomes in a dynamic and evolving environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to join EMCCA at a pivotal time as we expand our international activity and profile. You will have the chance to shape the region's international strategy, lead high-profile engagement programmes and play a key role in securing investment, trade and partnership opportunities that support long-term economic growth across the East Midlands.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the development, implementation and delivery of EMCCA's International Strategy.
• Act as EMCCA's lead officer for international engagement and growth opportunities.
• Build and develop strategic partnerships with UK Government departments, international agencies, businesses and trade organisations.
• Identify and prioritise international markets aligned to the East Midlands' economic strengths and growth ambitions.
• Lead the planning and delivery of international trade missions, overseas visits, inward delegations and major international events.
• Support the Mayor and senior leaders with international engagement programmes, briefings and strategic advice.
• Develop and manage pipelines of investment, trade and partnership opportunities, ensuring effective follow-through and measurable outcomes.
• Represent EMCCA regionally, nationally and internationally, promoting the East Midlands as a leading destination for investment, innovation and sustainable growth.

What you'll bring

• Significant experience developing and delivering international trade, investment or international engagement strategies.
• Experience building and managing complex partnerships with senior stakeholders across government, business and international organisations.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of international trade, investment and economic growth agendas.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility with senior leaders, elected members and external partners.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality briefings, presentations, business cases and recommendations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data, intelligence and insight to inform decision-making and drive results.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of inward investment, investment promotion, East Midlands priority sectors or proficiency in additional languages would be advantageous.

Our values

Our values shape our culture and how we work with each other, our partners and the communities we serve.

Lifting our region

We always put the long-term prosperity of the East Midlands region and its people first when carrying our roles and achieving strategic outcomes.

Working together

We always challenge each other to be exceptional, embracing collaboration and acting to lift rather than win, working as one team.

Making an impact

We always make decisions that are evidence led and which strengthen our region systemically. We hold ourselves to account for our actions.

Being human

We always take pride in who we are and the diversity we bring, communicating authentically and showing genuine interest in one another.

Join us

If you are a driven and commercially aware international growth professional who thrives on building partnerships, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering tangible economic outcomes, and you want to play a leading role in shaping the East Midlands' international future, we would like to hear from you.

Closing date: 22/11/2026

Proposed interviews: 02/12/2026

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