Job Description

Salary range: Grade CSRB £94,918 - £100,805 p.a. plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Fixed Term
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon

Shape Croydon's Economic Future

Croydon is the economic powerhouse of South London. Home to nearly 400,000 people, more than 16,000 businesses, the borough is seeing continued investment, major regeneration opportunities and a renewed focus on delivering growth that benefits all our communities. We are looking for an ambitious and experienced leader to help unlock this potential and drive forward our employment, skills and economic development priorities.

This is a unique opportunity to join our Place Directorate as Head of Employment, Skills & Economic Development, leading the Council's work to create opportunities for residents, support business growth, attract investment and ensure that economic benefits are embedded across our regeneration programmes.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Planning & Sustainable Regeneration, you will provide strategic leadership across employment, skills, economic development, Adult education, inward investment and business engagement, ensuring these agendas are fully integrated into the Council's wider growth and regeneration ambitions.

You will lead the development and delivery of strategies and programmes that:

• Increase employment opportunities for Croydon residents.
• Improve skills outcomes and pathways into work.
• Support business growth, investment and innovation.
• Maximise the economic benefits of regeneration and development.
• Reduce inequalities and create inclusive economic growth.
• Strengthen partnerships across the public, private, education and voluntary sectors.

You will oversee a portfolio of complex programmes and external funding opportunities, working closely with the Greater London Authority, South London Partnership, government departments, consultants, employers, further and higher education providers, developers and regional partners.

As a senior leader, you will help shape strategic policy and influence decisions that deliver lasting economic and social impact across the borough.

About You

We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with a strong track record of delivering economic growth, employment and skills programmes within a complex organisational environment.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in economic development, employment, skills, regeneration or a related field.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver impactful strategies and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of local and regional economic challenges and opportunities.
• Experience of securing and managing external funding programmes.
• Excellent political awareness and the ability to work effectively with elected members and senior stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A commitment to inclusive growth, innovation and delivering positive outcomes for residents and businesses.

Most importantly, you will share our ambition for Croydon and be motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference to people's lives and the borough's future prosperity.

Croydon Council’s priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key business plan outcomes:

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council’s new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.