Economic Strategy Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about economic development and public policy? Do you enjoy working with data, developing strategy, and supporting impactful programmes? We’re looking for a proactive and analytical Economic Strategy Officer to join our dynamic Economy & Investment team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to shaping Buckinghamshire’s economic future through research, policy development, and strategic programme support.

You’ll work across a varied portfolio of activity, supporting the development of new strategies and initiatives, delivering key programmes, and helping to manage strategic partnerships such as the Buckinghamshire Growth Board.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability Directorate, the Economy and Investment Service drives sustainable economic growth in Buckinghamshire. Working in the economic strategy team, this role supports the development of new strategies and delivery of key programmes, contributing to the county’s ambitious growth agenda.

About the role

As the Economic Strategy Officer, you’ll support the delivery of strategic economic programmes and contribute to the development of policies and strategies that shape Buckinghamshire’s economy. You’ll conduct research, analyse complex data, and help prepare reports and recommendations for senior leaders and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Buckinghamshire Growth Board and Economy & Investment Board.
• Conducting research and horizon scanning to inform policy development.
• Preparing reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Identifying funding opportunities and supporting bid development.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Supporting the delivery of economic programmes aligned with council priorities.

This role is ideal for someone with strong analytical skills, a collaborative mindset, and a keen interest in economic development and public policy.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

Other information

Please see the attached job summary for further information on this role and person specification.

The role is an any desk role with two days together in the office principally in Aylesbury with occasional travel to other locations.

Number of positions available: 1

Closing date: 6th July

Interview date: 15th July

Interview-type / process: In person

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Claire Phillips

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/