Senior Economic Development Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Economic Development professional to join our team at a pivotal time for the borough. As we review our Economic Development Strategy, prepare for Local Government Reorganisation, and deliver a range of impactful projects and programmes, your expertise will be vital in shaping the borough’s economic future.

About the Role
You will play a key role in preparing and updating the borough’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, working collaboratively with businesses, partner organisations, and internal teams. You will lead on the delivery, monitoring, and reporting of grant-funded programmes such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund. The role also involves supporting business growth, responding to business enquiries, and leading communications with local businesses, including attending networking events.

You will work closely with partners including Invest West Kent, Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Improvement District, Kent County Council, and Parish Councils to deliver joint projects and support digital infrastructure roll-out. The postholder will also be responsible for research, data analysis, preparing reports and plans for committees, and identifying and developing funding bids.

About You
We are looking for a delivery-focused, enthusiastic team player with:

• A degree in Geography, Town Planning, Economics, or a related subject.
• At least 3 years’ experience in economic development or a related profession.
• A proven track record in delivering economic development projects and programmes, partnership working, and project management.
• Strong analytical, research, and report-writing skills, with the ability to summarise complex information and data.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience of preparing funding bids and working in a political environment is desirable.
• A positive, adaptable attitude, able to work well under pressure and see projects through to completion.

What we offer:

• Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure
• Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
• Free staff parking in town centre.
• Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
• Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
• Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Take a look here at all the additional benefits that we offer.

To find out more take a look at the Job Description and Person Specification below. For an informal discussion about this post, you can contact Hilary Smith, Economic Development Manager on 01892 554433.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.