Economic Development Officer - Property and Place

Permanent
Full time 37 hours per week

About the Role

An exciting opportunity to join the Place and Sector Development Team as a Economic Development Officer has become available. As a member of the team you will play a vital role in strengthening the Devon economy by improving digital connectivity and supporting place making and strategic developments across the County.

We are seeking an ambitious and experienced economic development professional to play a key role in delivering major economic development priorities, including the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme, digital connectivity initiatives, and a range of estates and property projects that support sustainable economic growth across the County.

You will collaborate with businesses, local authorities, infrastructure providers, government agencies and community stakeholders to deliver projects that strengthen Devon's economy and improve opportunities for businesses and residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the CDS programme, helping to improve broadband and mobile connectivity across Devon and the wider region
• Develop and manage projects that promote digital inclusion, digital adoption and improved connectivity for businesses and communities.
• Support the delivery of estates, land and property-based economic development projects that unlock investment, employment and regeneration opportunities.
• Work with public and private sector partners to secure and manage external funding and investment opportunities.
• Support the management of project budgets, consultants, contractors and delivery partners.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on project performance and outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships across local government, businesses, infrastructure providers, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of economic strategies, policies and business cases that support Devon's long-term growth ambitions.

About you

You will have experience in economic development, infrastructure delivery, or digital connectivity, ideally within or alongside the public sector. Key attributes include:

• Experience delivering economic development, regeneration, infrastructure or place-based projects
• Strong project management, monitoring and evaluation skills
• Experience managing budgets and working with external funding programmes
• Excellent skills in partnership building and stakeholder engagement
• Strong report writing, bid writing and communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver results
• A good understanding of economic development and business growth issues
• Knowledge of property, estates, regeneration or place-based development projects
• Understanding of local government processes and funding mechanisms

For an informal discussion please contact Daniel Newman, Daniel.Newman@devon.gov.uk.

Interviews: 5th and 6th November 2026

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required.For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).