Head of Economic Growth
Location: Bangor / Agile working
Salary: £68,637 - £72,260
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
VANRATH are delighted to be assisting Ards and North Down Borough Council in the appointment of a Head of Economic Growth.
This is a senior leadership role within the Place & Prosperity Directorate, responsible for shaping and delivering strategies across Economic Development and Regeneration. The successful candidate will play a central role in translating corporate priorities into operational delivery, fostering partnerships, and ensuring services are innovative, customer-focused, and continuously improving.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and professional oversight of Economic Development and Regeneration services.
- Develop and implement strategies, policies, and business plans in line with the Council's Corporate Plan.
- Secure third-party funding to support regeneration and growth initiatives.
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, value-for-money services.
- Build strong public and private sector partnerships to support business growth and inward investment.
- Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of large and small-scale capital projects.
- Represent the Council at key forums, committees, and external meetings.
- Ensure compliance with governance, audit, and procurement requirements.
Candidate Criteria
Essential:
- Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject OR 5 years' relevant experience.
- At least 3 years' senior management experience with direct responsibility for at least three of the following:
- Developing and delivering business support initiatives.
- Delivery and project management of large or small-scale capital projects.
- Development of public/private partnerships for commercial growth.
- Securing third-party funding for regeneration/economic growth.
- Building and managing key strategic partnerships.
- Proven track record of leading teams to deliver organisational goals.
- Strong financial, project, and change management skills.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and partnership-building ability.
- Competence in Microsoft applications and effective use of technology.
- Access to transport to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Desirable:
- Additional relevant professional qualifications.
- Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.
For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan today. IND04