Place Investment Specialist

About the role
This is an exciting time to join our Inward Investment & Business Growth team We’re a relatively new local authority, created in April 2021. We’re at the beginning of our journey of shaping what the Economic Growth & Inward Investment service looks like at West Northants Council, so there is plenty of opportunity to develop processes, and shape our offering so we can provide the best possible service to our local businesses and residents, as part of the wider Communities & Opportunities directorate.

We are seeking a determined and creative individual to join our dynamic team here at West Northamptonshire Council. We are looking to recruit a variety of new roles as part of our enhanced new Economic Growth & Inward Investment Service and the Place Investment Specialist will play a key role in delivering our inward investment, business growth & visitor economy services. It is the perfect time to join our Team as we amplify our activities and establish a new strategy for the service.

West Northamptonshire is a place of huge opportunity, world renowned skills, and locational advantage. We in the Economic Growth & Inward Investment Service are at the forefront of capitalising on these strategic assets and establishing new opportunities for growth. Working innovatively, we are proactive in our approach to supporting and growing the local economy with a strong focus on the following areas:

- Business Growth
- Inward Investment & Place Marketing
- Skills & Employment
- Tourism & the Visitor Economy
- Funding Programmes & Projects

Home to over 20,000 businesses and more than 425,000 residents, the value of West Northamptonshire's economy (GVA) was valued at around £11.5bn in 2022, supporting around 214,700 jobs. In addition, around 20m visitors flock to the area each year, generated over a £1bn and supporting 14,000 jobs. We want to support and grow the local economy, meaning that our Team must establish a high-profile reputation across the world that West Northants is a place where everyone can thrive, supporting businesses & investors to locate & grow here, upskilling the local labour market and ensuring there are opportunities for all. We must showcase West Northants as a destination for investment, business, tourism and quality of life.

This role will be essential in showcasing West Northamptonshire as a destination for visitor, businesses and inward investment, combining project management, relationship management, expert marketing knowledge, prior experience and knowledge to achieve tangible outcomes to showcase West Northamptonshire as the ultimate destination.

What will you be doing?
Working alongside our colleagues in the wider Economic Growth & Inward Investment service, you’ll act as a key delivery officer in respect of activities to attract investors, businesses and visitors into the area. You will focus on creating and delivering effective place marketing strategies to maximise opportunities for inward investment and the visitor economy, including dynamic and innovative initiatives to raise the profile of West Northamptonshire.

You will support the development and articulation of the local investment & tourism offers, providing compelling materials and collateral to attract engagement and opportunities.

You will work in partnership with other stakeholders in the visitor economy sector to position Northamptonshire as an excellent destination for visitors, developing innovative campaigns to promote the place, including getting involved with the exploration of a Local Visitor Economy Partnership for Northamptonshire.

Identifying and developing new and existing ideas and innovations related to attracting inward investment and destination making will be a top priority, delivering events, festivals, niche marketing, tourism and enhancing the visitor experience.

Designated as a flexible worker type, you will attend meetings & events to build effective relationships with partners and stakeholders; you’ll work with commercial property agents, communications specialists, neighbouring local authorities, internal and external stakeholders and partners to facilitate opportunities to secure investment and engagement. You will utilise a CRM system to handle enquiries, maintain communication and maximise engagement and opportunities to achieve tangible outcomes resulting in business growth, more jobs & visitors and an improved local economy.

Each day will look slightly different and you’ll be able to get involved in various projects across the directorate, including opportunities for CPD and to share best practice. You will be involved with the creation of a new Economic Growth & Inward Investment strategy and will input into the processes to handle enquiries and stakeholder engagement.

About you
We’re looking for an expert in the field with proven experience & skills, able to drive and implement initiatives to attract visitors and investment, developing effective long-term r