Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Head of Economy and Culture to join our Economy and Housing Division here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.

As the Head of Economy and Culture, you will provide strategic leadership on the Council\'s economic and cultural strategies, working with both internal and external partners to formulate creative solutions and long-term approaches, to ensure there is a strong local economy and cultural identity in the borough.

You will play a lead role in the development of economic policy for town centres and their high streets and embed the Arts and Culture in the work of the council, to ensure effective alignment with other key corporate priorities and strategies, including the development of an Annual Action Plan.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on developing and implementing an effective Economic Development Strategy and underpinning sub-strategies, providing strategic direction to the Council to ensure local business community secures maximum access to opportunities to support their growth.
• Develop a robust Business Engagement and Partnership Plan identifying business synergies and engagement opportunities. Organise and run the Wokingham Borough Business Partnership to consult with businesses and understand their needs and barriers to growth.
• Collaborate and support all local businesses in relation to their needs, including on funding, business support, supply chain development, response to climate emergency supporting mental health.
• Oversee the arts and culture work program and ensure successful partnership working, strategic direction and project delivery of this work. Ensure the linkage of arts and culture with other Council\'s strategies and priorities in particular that of place making.
• Build effective relationships with key strategic partners including Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, University of Reading, Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, other Berkshire Local Authorities, Government departments such as DWP and BEIS.

Candidate requirements:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Strong partnership working and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrable experience of project management models including target setting, monitoring and evaluation.
• Experienced Economic development professional with a strong grasp of Economic Development and understanding of relevant policy.
• Significant experience working at a senior level within a local authority Economic Development or regeneration team.

We offer an incredible benefits package which includes generous annual leave of 31 days, rising to 36 with 5 years continuous service, plus Bank Holidays, a local government pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, a range of discounts and much more!

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Rhian Hayes, Assistant Director Economy and Housing on or Paul Ohsan Ellis, Strategic Development and Commercialisation on

Closing date: Sunday 3rd March 2024, 11pm

Interview dates: Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th March 2024

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham Borough Council