Interim Strategic Development Lead, Economic Growth

Fixed Term, Full Time (Maximum 12 months)Temporary or FTC/Secondment (Salary within advert)Location: CountywideClosing Date: 14th December 2025Salary Information: Temporary up to £650 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or FTC/Secondment from £75,050 to £88,295 per annumOverviewGreater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authority, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.Purpose of the Role.Shape GECCA’s Economic Growth strategy and underpinning programmes.Design and deliver initiatives that strengthen productivity, business competitiveness and inward investment.Lead partnerships with business, local government, education and government agencies.Secure funding and investment to accelerate growth.Embed systems and governance that enable sustained economic impact.Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDesign and implement economic strategies aligned to regional priorities.Lead investment planning and support development of multi-year growth programmes.Drive system integration across economic growth, skills, transport and infrastructure.Represent GECCA at regional and national forums.Corporate ResponsibilitiesDevelop delivery and business plans aligned with the investment framework.Lead continuous improvement and transformation within the portfolio.Identify risks and opportunities, informing strategic direction and delivery.Drive performance management and ensure value for money.People LeadershipLead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and continuous learning.Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in programme design and organisational culture.Act as a visible ambassador for Greater Essex, advocating for investment and innovationBuild capability, talent pipelines and strong internal and external relationships.Candidate Profile (Essentials)Strong understanding of regional economic growth drivers and challenges.Substantial leadership experience across complex portfolios.Political sensitivity and ability to advise senior stakeholders.Strategic and critical thinker with excellent partnership-building skills.Proven success in securing and managing major funding streams.*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County AuthorityThis role is being recruited on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council.This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on ( samantha.myddelton@essex.gov.uk 0333 013 0098) or Sadie Orwell ( sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk 0333 032 2356) .If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at essexsharedservices@essex.gov.ukAs part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click ‘APPLY’ to begin your applicationClosing date for applications: 14 th December 2025 at 23:59pm