APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

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1 APPLICATION FOR MPLOYMNT Thank you for the interest you have shown in the vacancies within Darlington Borough Council. Completed forms can be ed to or posted to Xentrall Recruitment Services, PO Box 891, Stockton on Tees, TS19 1JT, marking the envelope in the top left hand corner with the post reference number. In accordance with our recruitment procedures, your application will only be considered if it is received on or before the closing date, as shown in the advertisement. In the interests of economy, applications received via the post are not automatically acknowledged. If you require confirmation that your application has been received please enclose a stamped addressed envelope or telephone If you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date for receipt of applications, please assume that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

2 Business Growth & Investment Officer Vacancy ID: Salary: 32, , Annually Closing Date: 18/02/2018 Benefits & Grade Grade P Contract Details Permanent Contract Hours 37 hours per week Interview Date 26/02/2018 Job Description Darlington is the gateway to the Tees Valley, offering excellent transport links by road and rail, with the A1 immediately accessed from the West, and the ast Coast mainline offering direct trains to London in just 2hours 30 minutes. In 2016, Darlington achieved the status of second fastest growing economy in the UK. It has many advantages for businesses; coupled with the excellent transport links, it has good quality residential areas, high achieving schools and colleges and relatively low land and premises costs. conomic growth continues with more exciting opportunities ahead across a number of key development sites, including Central Park, an enterprise zone with its combination of Teesside University s Centre for Professional and xecutive Development, CPI s National Biologics Manufacturing Centre and cutting-edge start-up businesses at Business Central a dedicated business incubator for SM s. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Invest in Darlington team (Darlington Council s dedicated business engagement team), where you will be responsible for ensuring Darlington continues to flourish economically, to attract and retain investment and employment opportunities to Darlington from potential investors, working in close collaboration with Tees Valley Combined Authority. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of engaging, developing and managing business relationships, with a positive and proactive approach, and the ability to build influential relationships and establish trust with key decision makers. This is a fast paced role, and candidates will need to be able to react to incoming enquiries whilst proactively seeking new investment opportunities to secure business rate growth and job creation targets. Recent experience of delivering business support or business development activity is essential, as is knowledge of the business support and intermediary landscape. Ideally candidates will also have experience of identifying market opportunities for businesses and will have a good knowledge of the economy and geography of Darlington and the Tees Valley.

3 The role will suit a variety of individuals from a proven Sales / Business Development, Account Management, Inward Investment or Business ngagement/ Business Support background. For detailed information on this role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. For a further informal discussion, please contact Mark Carrigan, conomy Manager on An online application form and further information are available from Alternatively, you can contact Xentrall Recruitment Services, Tel: (01642) or recruitment@xentrall.org.uk

4 DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL CONOMIC GROWTH JOB DSCRIPTION POST TITL : GRAD : JOB VALUATION NO. : RPORTING RLATIONSHIP Business Growth & Investment Officer Grade P D3287 The post holder shall be accountable to the conomy Manager on a day to day basis. JOB PURPOS : 1. To undertake economic growth activities including inward investment, strategic account management, business support, advice and guidance and sector development to ensure the Council maximises all opportunities to support the creation and safeguarding of jobs and businesses in Darlington. 2. To develop and maintain sound business relationships with key business networks, partner organisations and intermediaries for the purpose of lead generation and promoting Darlington as a place in which to invest. 3. To play a key role in contributing to the Council s ambition to deliver an additional 7000 jobs in Darlington by the year POST NO. PDR COMPTNCY FRAMWORK 4. To deliver growth in Business Rate income as set in individual targets by the conomy Manager and Director of conomic Growth. D13384 Level 1, xpected Competencies for all employees Invest in Darlington is the Council s platform for providing business support to Darlington s local business community, and potential inward investors. This also includes providing property and land searches to facilitate the sale or lease of land for employment use. The Invest in Darlington team works closely with the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) on lead generation activity to help bring forward investment opportunities for Darlington. TVCA unites the five local authorities on key decisions that affect Tees Valley, helping to strengthen the area and accelerate economic growth. MAIN DUTIS/RSPONSIBILITIS 1. Self-generate and maintain a target list of Darlington s leading businesses from priority sectors and those with significant growth potential or at risk of disinvestment, for the purpose of job creation and retention, as agreed with the conomic Growth Director and conomy Manager.

5 2. Proactively engage with businesses to establish key decision makers and business leaders, and to develop sound business relationships. 3. Achieve and excel in key performance indicators (KPI s) in relation to new decision makers established, company meetings, networking events attended, new projects added to pipeline, projects converted to success and business rate income generated. 4. Keep up to date on available government incentives, business support and financial support e.g. grant assistance, loans and subsidies and advise / support businesses on accessing financial assistance as appropriate. 5. Record and all business correspondence and engagement using the bespoke CRM software, for maintaining and managing business intelligence. 6. Record and report on barriers to growth in Darlington, in order to help shape and determine future policy and strategy for unlocking economic growth potential. 7. Contribute to the analysis of national and local data and information to identify the changing needs of the local population and of businesses and to inform the development and implementation of the Council s conomic Strategy and associated sector actions plans. 8. Contribute to the monitoring and review of performance against key outputs and outcomes in order to update the Council s Performance Management Framework (PMF). 9. Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with other teams within the Council, particularly where they have contact with businesses, for example planning, to help ensure that the Council delivers an excellent service to businesses. 10. Contribute to the recruitment, supervision and mentoring of external internships, work placements and apprentices where appropriate. 11. Represent the Invest in Darlington Team at exhibitions, seminars and networking events as required. 12. Write and produce editorial content for publications, advertising, media releases, websites, e-newsletters and social media. 13. nsure that you work in line with all the Council s policies and procedures and ensure that you are aware of your obligations under these. 14. Behave according to the mployees Code of Conduct and ensure that you are aware of your obligations and responsibilities re. conflicts of interest, gifts, hospitality and other matters covered by the Code. 15. Carry out your role in line with the Council s quality agenda. 16. To comply with health and safety policies, organisational statements and procedures, report any incidents / accidents/ hazards and take a pro-active approach to health and safety matters in order to protect yourself and others. 17. Any other duties of a similar nature related to this post that may be required from timeto-time. 18. This post is deemed to be a Customer Facing role in line with the definition of the Code of Practice on the nglish language requirement for public sector workers.

6 Darlington Borough Council and schools within the Borough are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Date: July 2014

7 DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL CONOMIC GROWTH BUSINSS GROWTH & INVSTMNT OFFICR PRSON SPCIFICATION POST NO D13384 All appointments are subject to satisfactory references. Criteria No. Attribute ssential () Desirable (D) Qualifications & ducation 1 ducated to degree level in a relevant field. D 2 Relevant professional or post graduate qualification. D xperience & Knowledge 3 Approx. 5 years experience working in a businessfocussed role liaising; networking with and influencing businesses, individuals and organisations. 4 Approx. 3 years experience of partnership working with businesses and other key stakeholders. 5 xperience of working with property agents / developers and /or experience of working in a creative or marketing role. 6 xperience and understanding of current economic policy and the key issues and challenges faced by businesses. 7 xperience of undertaking project work and effective research skills. 8 xperience of interpreting legislation, policy or procedures to give recommendations and advice. 9 Ability to effectively monitor allocated budgets. 10 Approx. 2 years experience of drafting, developing, implementing and reviewing strategy and policy. 11 Working knowledge of business support delivery. D 12 xperience of project development and implementation. 13 xperience of using Social Media applications (Facebook, Twitter etc.) in a work context. Skills 14 Ability to develop strong working relationships with senior business people and other key stakeholders, which translate into effective actions delivering economic benefits. D D

8 15 Ability to work under pressure, prioritise work and achieve deadlines. 16 Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people and organisations. 17 Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences (including the ability to write and deliver clear, concise reports and presentations). 18 IT Literate, capable of using the Internet, and Microsoft Office packages. 19 Ability to maintain accurately a range of management information systems including databases and spreadsheets. 20 Ability to present complex information in formats appropriate to non-specialists without compromising meaning. 21 Ability to present information in a logical and systematic manner. 22 Analytical and interpretational skills using a range of information sources and research methodologies. 23 Ability to work to broad policy guidelines and to use discretion and act on own initiative as required. Personal Attributes 24 Personal presence and credibility to work with Councillors, businesses, developers, partners and community groups. 25 Ability to work successfully as part of a team. 26 Political sensitivity and awareness of and commitment to public services and local democracy. 27 Flexible approach to working time/arrangements.

9 Conditions of Service General Conditions of service will vary from service to service. However, there are some general points to cover. Conditions of service generally are those contained in the appropriate National Joint Council Schemes but have been supplemented in a number of areas by locally agreed conditions. The relevant Handbooks are available for reference in all departments. Office Hours The normal working week is currently 37 hours. Council offices are generally open to the public from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (4.30p.m on Friday). The majority of office staff are able to take part in the Councils flexible working hours scheme. lsewhere, fixed hours or shift working may be operated according to the needs of a particular service. Annual Leave The basic annual leave entitlement is 31 days plus 8 public holidays. Youth & Community Workers entitlement is 30 days plus 8 public holidays, increasing to 35 days with 5 years continuous service. Sick Pay Most employees are covered by the provisions of the nationally agreed sick pay schemes which allow periods of absence on half pay and full pay according to length of service. Pension You will automatically be entered into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) unless you choose to opt out. This is a contributory pension scheme and meets Government standards for automatic enrolment. If you do not opt out within three months of joining the LGPS, you will not be eligible to receive a refund of your contributions but will instead be given deferred benefits within the Scheme. If you decide to opt out of the Scheme your employment, earnings and age will be monitored in line with automatic enrolment guidelines. Medical xamination Before commencing your employment, you will need to complete a medical questionnaire and may be subject to a medical examination. Probation New entrants to Local Government will be required to complete a six month probationary period. qual Opportunities The Council is working for equality. Applications are welcomed from all persons regardless of gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religion or belief, social origin, pregnancy and maternity provided they have the necessary attributes to do the job. Part time applications Part time applications will be considered for all posts. Further details should be sought from the recruiting manager. Payment of Wages and Salaries Salary paid into bank account on the last working day of the month. Casual employees are paid monthly in arrears. All payments are made by credit transfer direct to a nominated bank or building society. Smoking Policy The Council operates a No Smoking Policy.

10 Politically Restricted Posts The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, conomic Development and Construction Act 2009 designate certain posts as politically restricted. If this is the case it will be detailed on the job description and means that you would be disqualified from being a member of a Local Authority, the House of Commons or of the uropean Parliament. Further information is available upon request. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for the Council. This will depend on the nature of the post and the circumstances and background of your offence(s). To assist the Council in determining the suitability of your employment, certain posts are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If this is the case an appropriate statement will appear in the recruitment advertisement.