This is an exciting time to join Business Durham and play a key role in driving business growth in County Durham. We are looking for a transformative leader with experience of leading business engagement, account management, inward investment and sector development services within an economic development environment.
Take a look at the person specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on Monday 23 March 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us)
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
HOW TO APPLY
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us)
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent.
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
CONNECT WITH US
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers
Visit our website durham.gov.uk/jobsandcareerswithusJOIN BUSINESS DURHAM AND HELP TO SHAPE COUNTY DURHAM’S ECONOMIC FUTURE
This is an exciting time to join Business Durham and play a key role in driving business growth in County Durham. We are looking for a transformative leader with experience of leading business engagement, account management, inward investment and sector development services within an economic development environment.
WHY BUSINESS DURHAM?
Make a real difference: We're not just connecting businesses with resources but building long-term partnerships that fuel sustainable growth and positively impact lives across the county.
Be at the forefront of innovation: We're actively shaping the future by delivering the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy, attracting inward investment, and leading key sector development initiatives.
Work in a dynamic environment: We offer a stimulating and collaborative work culture where you can contribute strategically and see the direct impact of your work on the local economy.
Embrace new challenges: We manage a diverse portfolio of business properties, encompassing modern labs, industrial units, and commercial spaces, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of growing businesses.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will provide strategic direction to the Business Growth Team, shaping and guiding business support, account management, inward investment activity and sector development services on behalf of Business Durham.
Recent and substantial experience in managing business support services will be vital, as you will adopt an innovative, forward-looking approach to business growth – enhancing County Durham’s reputation for excellence in supporting businesses, strengthening key sectors, building on the county’s established assets and maximising opportunities for inward investment.
Your strong communication and interpersonal skills will be essential in building and sustaining productive relationships with businesses, partners, and stakeholders. You will also lead teams of experienced business engagement professionals and contribute to the wider management of the Business Durham service.
The ability to maintain a broad overview while also identifying challenges and implementing practical solutions will be key when reviewing inward investment and business support performance, ensuring value for money and tangible economic impact.
You will play a central role in shaping and directing business growth programmes and activities that support the ambitions of the County Durham Inclusive Economic Strategy.
If you would like to know more about the post, please contact either; Sarah Slaven, Managing Director or Kerry Walker, Business Growth Director via email at sarah.slaven@durham.gov.uk / kerry.walker@durham.gov.uk
WHAT WILL YOU NEED?
You will need to be educated to degree level or equivalent with extensive relevant experience and evidence of a commitment to professional development. You will also need:Significant recent experience of managing business support, business engagement, and inward investment services.
Recent experience and understanding of the economic development and business support landscape in the North East, especially in relation to inward investment and business growth.
Significant recent experience of engaging, developing and managing business relationships.
Knowledge of business operations and the factors affecting corporate decision making, particularly business and economic drivers.
Strong business skills and financial judgement.
Highly developed effective interpersonal communication skills.
The ability to establish excellent stakeholder relationships
Ability to recognise key issues, identify problems, find and implement solutions