Inward Investment Lead - Working for Essex

About the role

Inward Investment Lead

Permanent

Full Time, 37 hours per week

£43,139 to £50,752 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: 13th April 2025

Essex County Council is a systems leader for Skills and Economic Growth, partnering with public and private sectors to position Essex as a hub of innovation, enterprise, and ambition. Through our business-facing services, we drive an inclusive, integrated approach to skills development, business support, sector growth, and inward investment across the County.

The Inward Investment Lead will lead the Council’s work to build a coordinated public-private partnership approach to attracting interest in and securing foreign and domestic investments into Greater Essex. This includes defining competitive investment propositions from foreign and domestic investors as well as institutional and government investments into economic infrastructure and devising and implementing a strategy with partners to attract leads and convert them.

The role requires deep understanding of the investment landscape and good knowledge of current investment market opportunities and the needs of investors. The Inward Investment Lead will work closely with government bodies, business leaders, and economic development agencies to position Greater Essex as a top choice for investment.

Accountabilities

Lead on the co-creation, with Greater Essex public and private sector partners, of a new Greater Essex coordinated approach to the following key inward investment processes:

Inward Investment Partnership and sponsors – Lead on the creation of a public-private partnership among those with commercial or policy interests in attracting inward investing businesses and infrastructure investments into Greater Essex. Including developing sponsorship opportunities to support inward investment marketing activities.

Investment Offer Definition– With local partners in industry and government, define competitive investment opportunities capable of engaging international investors

Investment Attraction:

Lead on the creation of a new Greater Essex coordinated approach to proactively identify and engage potential investors, companies, and industries that align with the region’s strategic goals, particularly in targeted sectors, including institutional investors and government funds.

Develop a communications programme to promote Essex’s investment opportunities (e.g. at UKREiiF) and by supporting the Business Marketing Strategy Lead to promote Greater Essex’s attractions as a place to work, visit, study and live.

Market Research & Analysis: Conduct or commission research to identify inward investment market trends, emerging industries, and potential investors given Greater Essex’s strengths. Utilise insights to inform partners’ investment attraction strategies and enhance value propositions.

Relationship Management: Develop with partners an agreed Greater Essex investment lead conversion process with protocols. This requires establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key inward investment partners, including government officials, economic development organisations, local businesses, and industry associations.

Lead Conversion: Develop and execute strategic initiatives to drive investment interest, from early-stage inquiries to deal closure, including site visits, negotiations, regulatory compliance, and post-investment support. Collaborate with various teams to build tailored proposals, incentives, and business cases for potential investors.

Investor Aftercare: Develop a service to retain existing businesses and encourage their expansion within Essex, coordinating with partners and the Business Growth, Sector Development and Skills teams.

Event Coordination: Organise and participate in trade missions, investment events, networking sessions, and presentations to promote Greater Essex to a global audience.

Reporting & Analytics: Track, analyse, and report on inward investment activities, including leads, pipeline management, and conversion metrics. Present updates and insights to leadership and stakeholders regularly.

Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with public sector stakeholders to advocate for policies that create a favourable business climate and incentivise inward investment.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

· Education to Level 6 or equivalent experience in investment attraction, economic development, business development, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful investment promotion and lead conversion projects.

· Strong Partnership-building skills: Experience of building and managing partnerships around an agreed strategy and action plan.

· Strong Business Acumen: Solid understanding of investment processes, economic trends, and sector-specific opportunities.

· Investor Relationship Management: Exceptional ability to manage the expectations of private sector investors including pro-active client management skills and sales skills.

· Project Management: Proficiency in managing multiple projects and coordinating resources to meet objectives.

· Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse data, market trends, and competitive landscapes to inform strategy.

· Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in delivering presentations and pitches.

· Cultural Awareness: Understanding of and sensitivity to cultural nuances in a global business environment.

· Experience of investment target market business environments valued.

· Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

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

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If you have queries or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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