We are recruiting – Digital Enterprise Economic Development Programme Leader
Date: 9th July 2021
Two year contract, with extension – subject to funding
Salary: PO6 – £43,857 – £46,845
Digital Enterprise is a successful and innovative business support programme developed to help small to medium sized businesses, which are based in the Leeds City Region, to improve their digital capabilities. The programme offers businesses a range of interventions including funding to stimulate investment in digital technologies to promote growth and digital transformation, and also opportunities for business owners and managers to develop their digital skills through our Digital Knowledge Exchange.
First established in 2016, phase two of the programme commenced in September 2019 and is due to complete in June 2023. Digital Enterprise has helped almost 2,000 businesses gain access to funding and digital skills to date and will assist a further 2,000 businesses over the next few years.
The Digital Enterprise programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), West Yorkshire Combined Authority/Local Enterprise Partnership and nine of the local authorities that make up the Leeds City Region.
We are currently seeking to appoint an Economic Development Programme Leader to manage the delivery of the Digital Enterprise Programme. The successful candidate will lead a small team who are responsible for programme delivery and awarding business grants to eligible businesses.
The role will involve working with a complex delivery partnership across the Leeds City Region and will be hosted in Leeds City Council’s Economic Development Service and be supported by a Programme Board. Candidates should have a proven track record in delivering business support programmes and must have experience of European Regional Development Fund requirements.
The post represents an excellent opportunity for economic development professionals who can demonstrate proven project management skills, an ability to lead a small team and extensive experience in delivering business support initiatives, particularly those involved in digital technologies.
The position is full time and is offered on a fixed term basis for two years – with a prospect of extension – subject to funding. The post holder will be based at our offices in Leeds city centre, but the role may involve travel to other districts within the city region and also working from home.
To apply online, please visit the Leeds City Council jobs site here.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 20 July 2021 at 11:30pm.
Further details on the Digital Enterprise programme can be found at www.digitalenterprise.co.uk
For more information please contact Phil Cole, Head of Funding Programmes & Business Support, Leeds City Council (Tel: 07891 276493, phil.cole@leeds.gov.uk).
As this is a fixed term position secondments from partner organisations would be very welcome. Please seek the approval of an appropriate senior manager before applying for the post.
Interested applicants should complete the Council’s application form, provide a covering letter and an up to date Curriculum Vitae explaining how they fulfil the key requirements of the post.
Digital Enterprise is part funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) 2014-2020. Established by the European Union, ESIF helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding
Digital Enterprise is part funded from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
