Business Investment Officer

Fixed term contract to 31.03.2029. This is a re-advertisement. Previous applicants need not reapply as their application will be automatically considered.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives?If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Supporting business growth and investment across Gateshead

The Business, Employment and Skills service sits within the Council’s Economy, Innovation and Growth Group and plays a vital role in supporting local economic development. The team works with businesses of all sizes, inward investors and key partners to promote Gateshead as a place to invest, grow and innovate. Through targeted advice, funded programmes and strong partnerships, the service supports business sustainability, job creation and inclusive economic growth across the borough.

Connecting businesses to opportunity, investment and support
As a Business Investment Officer, you will work directly with businesses, developers, property agents, landowners and inward investors, to help unlock opportunities for expansion and investment within the borough's strategic employment sites. This is a relationship-driven role that combines business engagement, investment facilitation, property and development intelligence, and programme delivery. Your work will support the sustainability and modernisation of Gateshead's strategic employment locations, helping to bring land and premises back into productive use, attract public and private investment, and create the conditions for businesses to grow and thrive.

What you will get to do

• Engage directly in discussions with businesses, developers, investors, landowners and property professionals, developing strong, trusted relationships to understand their challenges, ambitions and investment plans
• Carry out effective fact-finding and diagnostic discussions with businesses to identify needs, opportunities and appropriate support or intervention
• Diagnose and respond to business needs, providing tailored advice, guidance and signposting to relevant programmes, partners and service
• Support the sustainability, growth and modernisation of Gateshead's strategic employment sites, helping to ensure that businesses have access to the land and premises they need to invest and expand.
• Help secure public and private sector investment into key employment locations, contributing to business growth, job creation and the strengthening of the local business rates base.
• Influence and support plans for the improvement, redevelopment and modernisation of employment estates, ensuring they remain attractive and competitive locations for investment.
• Contribute to the development, delivery and management of business growth programmes, projects and interventions, ensuring appropriate data and records are maintained to meet funding and reporting requirements.
• Work closely with colleagues across Planning, Regeneration, Property, Housing and Economic Development services to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to employment land, investment and business growth.
• Support initiatives that promote Gateshead as an attractive location for business investment, development and job creation.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the commercial property market, key employment locations, priority sectors and the wider economic and innovation landscape, including local, regional and national trends affecting businesses and investors.
• Maintain accurate clerical and electronic records, supporting performance monitoring, evaluation and reporting to funders, stakeholders and partners.
• Prepare reports, briefings, business cases and updates as required.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

What you will bring

• Strong knowledge of local economic conditions, the challenges businesses face, and the factors that influence business decision-making
• Understanding of national and regional enterprise, business and start-up support, including business finance, legal structures and management processes
• Experience of engaging with businesses, building and managing effective working relationships and influencing investment decisions
• A high level of commercial awareness, with the ability to identify key business issues and opportunities
• The ability to work collaboratively with partners to achieve shared economic outcomes
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, report-writing and presentation skills, with a strong customer-focused approach
• A relevant degree or professional qualification, or equivalent experience, and the ability to work to deadlines with minimal supervision

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options. There is a requirement for a minimum of 40% of your time to be office based.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

When writing your statement, please:

Use the key responsibilities and essential criteria listed in the advert to guide your response.
Give clear, specific examples that show how you have demonstrated these skills or responsibilities in previous roles.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or simply explain: what you did, how you did it, andwhat difference it made.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.