Job description
Head of Economic Growth
Location: Bangor / Agile working
Salary: £68,637 - £72,260
Contract: Permanent
Closing date for applications - Friday 3rd October.
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.
Developing and maintaining key strategic partnerships within the field of 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
