Business Engagement Officer

• JD_-_Business_Engagement_Officer

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

About the role

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Business Engagement Officer to join our proactive Economic Development team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, 2-year fixed term contract.

This is an exciting role in which you will work at the heart of the local economy—engaging directly with businesses, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen our business base, support growth, and shape the future of Wokingham as a great place to do business.

You will build strong relationships with local employers, understanding their needs, and connecting them to relevant support, investment opportunities, and council services. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to help shape the future of the borough through innovation and collaboration!

Key responsibilities

• To be one of the primary points of contact for businesses in the borough, dealing with enquiries raised by businesses promptly, providing advice and resolving issues when needed.

• Support the economic development team and members of the wider council with engaging and maintaining close working relationships with local employers, identifying needs, challenges, and growth opportunities. Assist with the delivery of a coordinated business offer and a programme of business engagement events.

• Proactively work with external stakeholders in the business support space e.g., the Berkshire Growth Hub, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and other local business networks to help contribute towards the growth and sustainability of our local businesses.

• Collect and analyse business intelligence to inform policy, strategy, and funding bids.

• Promote investment opportunities and support inward investment activity.

• Update details of business engagements into our current CRM system and assist in the transition to an upgraded iteration.

• Monitor and report on outcomes and impact of engagement activity.

Candidate requirements

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Business development experience or experience in developing or managing a BID.
• Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs and local economies.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills, with demonstrable experience of stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrable experience of target setting, monitoring and evaluation.
• Excellent organisational skills and workload management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior officers, Elected Members, managers, staff, colleagues, and partners.
• Knowledge of local government structures, process, and issues.
• Self-starter, highly organised and driven individual, with a strong ability to negotiate and achieve results.
• Keen practitioner of excellent customer care standards in all service delivery.

Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (rising to 35 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays (Pro-Rata for Part Time)

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more!

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact the Recruiting Manager via email – dexter.levick@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: 19th June

Interview date: W/C 29th June

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.