Head of Economic Development

Title: Head of economic development

Role Purpose

The Head of Economic Development will design and develop regeneration and economic strategy, driving delivery of borough-wide regeneration and economic strategy, master planning and developing a regeneration pipeline that boosts economic growth and the borough’s wider placemaking ambitions.

The role will have a lead on developing strategic partnerships with the borough’s business base, including Business Improvement Districts and Community Improvement Districts, sub-regional and pan-London partnerships that leverage inward investment and boost economic growth for key opportunity areas, including the borough’s High Streets and Town Centres.

The role is responsible for championing innovation, supporting the growth of key sectors and ensuring Harrow's economy is fair, vibrant and well positioned for future challenges. By providing expert insight, strategic leadership and operational oversight, the Head of Economic Development will play a pivotal role in improving prosperity and opportunity for residents and businesses across the borough.

The postholder line manages 2 x Programme Lead Officers, 1 x Regeneration Officer and 1 x apprentice.

Responsible for the effective management of delegated budgets:
• Revenue budget up to £150K
• Capital programme (including grants, NCIL) budget up to £3m PA.

• Projects and programme delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Lead, motivate and develop the Economic Development team to deliver high quality services, manage budgets, risks, procurement and governance arrangements.
2. Promote cross council collaboration ensuring Economic Development is embedded in service planning.
3. Lead production of strategic plans to shape future regeneration, including development of a Regeneration and Economic Strategy for the borough, and development of masterplans to shape spatial placemaking opportunities.

1. Ensure the regeneration and economic development agenda incorporates wider opportunities the Council’s This includes scoping opportunities for investment that promote business growth in our high streets and town centres, including production of masterplans, briefs, business cases and feasibility testing to inform the decision making process
2. To develop effective multi-disciplinary partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including local businesses, sub-regional and pan-London partners (such as GLA, West London Alliance, London Councils) to leverage investment which maximises the regeneration and economic benefits from private and public sector investment in the borough.
3. Lead activities to identify and secure external funding from government and other sources including strategic co-ordination of Neighbourhood CIL; managing bids, business cases and delivery assurance
4. Develop policy responses to national and regional economic developments
5. Uphold the councils values, behaviours and equalities commitments by ensuring compliance with legislation, statutory responsibilities and corporate policies.
6. Contribute to emergency response, resilience planning and business continuity as required.
7. Ensure programmes of activity are supported by robust communications and engagement plans that provide opportunities for business, resident and stakeholder engagement and participation
8. Ensure all projects deliver required outcomes and outputs for high quality standards within agreed timescales and budgets.
9. Maintain up to date knowledge on market economic factors, and be able to provide advice to the Senior Leadership and Members as required.
10. This list is not exhaustive, and duties may vary in line with service needs or grade.

Role requirements

• Educated to degree level with relevant professional qualification (e.g. Economics, RTPI, Urban Planning & Regeneration) or equivalent or has the equivalent relevant work experience.
• Leadership experience working at a senior management capacity within an Economic Development/Regeneration role.
• Experience of leading the development of strategy, spatial planning frameworks, feasibility testing and production of business cases.
• Demonstrable experience of establishing effective partnerships across a range of stakeholders and maintaining productive working relationships within a political environment.
• Proven track record and experience of securing investment opportunities that boost economic growth and regeneration.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, develop new opportunities, investigate and evaluate options and produce full and robust business cases for investment.
• Experience of leading procurement and contract management processes. Negotiation skills with the ability to secure successful delivery of contracts and ensure the council can evidence quality and value for money.