Economic Development Officer (Business Adviser)

Closing date: 1 June 2026

Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum

Want to play a key role in shaping the future of Somerset’s economy? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking team driving sustainable growth, innovation and resilience across the region. You’ll work on impactful projects supporting business start-ups, digital adoption, creative industries and enterprise development, while influencing regional and national policy that directly benefits local communities.

Delivered by Somerset Council, the Somerset Growth Hub supports local businesses at every stage of growth by providing access to advice, funding, and specialist support, delivered through a nationally coordinated Growth Hub network and funded by the Department for Business & Trade.

If you’re passionate about economic development and want to see your ideas turn into real-world outcomes, this is the role for you.

Role Summary:

As our Economic Development Officer (Business Adviser), you’ll lead the delivery of the Somerset Growth Hub, delivering Somerset’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth and resilience. You’ll provide insight, analysis and policy guidance to help shape the local economy, working closely with colleagues and partners to understand trends, inform strategic thinking, and drive positive outcomes for businesses and communities.

What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities:

Playing a leading role in the Somerset Growth Hub team, your day-to-day work will:

• Provide friendly, practical and professional business advice tailored to the needs of Somerset businesses.
• Work directly with business owners and managers to understand their goals and co‑develop clear next steps.
• Connect businesses to the right local, regional and national support, funding and expertise.
• Provide support to senior managers to help influence national and regional policy relating to economic growth and resilience.
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans, policies and approaches across a broad range of economic development activity.
• Support the commissioning and delivery of programmes that promote funding opportunities, partnerships and business growth initiatives.
• Provide project and programme support to ensure the successful delivery of economic development initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, businesses and external partners to gather insight, share knowledge and support evidence-based decision making.

What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills:

Essential

• Strong understanding of economic growth and resilience issues, including key trends and policy impacts, with knowledge of strategic planning, policy development, and commissioning.
• Knowledge of data collection, analysis and reporting methods, with the ability to use evidence to inform decision-making.
• Awareness and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
• Experience providing policy advice and guidance, including supporting senior managers to influence regional and national policy.
• Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop strategic plans, policies and economic development initiatives.
• Experience commissioning and managing economic development services or programmes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting to monitor performance and outcomes.

Desirable

• In-depth knowledge of national, regional or wider policy relating to economic growth, skills, innovation and sector development.
• Awareness of the local economic landscape and business needs.
• Experience of managing workspace assets, internal business support functions, and engaging partners through awareness-raising activity.
• Degree in economics, public policy, business administration or a related field, with relevant professional certifications or training (e.g. data analysis or project management)
• Evidence of continuous professional development and/or membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in practice.

Additional Information:

• Full-time (37 hours), 3-year fixed term contract
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
• Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
• If applying as a secondment for this fixed term role, please seek approval from your manager first.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Dugald Lockhart, Service Manager – Enterprise and Investment via email: dugald.lockhart@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.