About the team we are recruiting to

The Economic Development Service (EDS) has an instrumental role in the delivery of the Council’s ambitions and in particular the vision to promote the growth of a sustainable Coventry economy.   

The department also delivers objectives set by central Government, the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).  

To achieve our ambition of delivering sustainable growth through creating opportunities, the teams within EDS carry out a number of key activities including:  

• Monitoring and shaping policy 

• Identifying and delivering investment opportunities and projects 

• Delivering an inward investment and skills and growth function 

• Providing a business support and investment programme; and  

• Managing external funding programmes.  

The benefits of these services aim to meet the needs of local businesses and industry across all sectors, international businesses seeking to invest and local residents through jobs and growth.    

The team has a strong track record of success including:  

• Support in the delivery of the successful City of Culture 2021 bid 

• Securing funding for and providing project delivery of the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC) 

• Attracting major investors to the City through the promotion of opportunities to a national and global audience; and  

• Awarding grants to local SMEs to help them to grow and create jobs 

As a department we do not want to stop here but have ambitions to continue to develop the service. We are seeking driven individuals to support us in these aspirations. 

What is the job role?

There’s no better time to work in Coventry. The city ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK and has a flourishing national and international reputation. Coventry is one of the fastest growing cities outside London and the city’s successful bid for 2021 UK City of Culture will further increase its attractiveness to domestic and international investment.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic and motivated Business Development Advisor focussed on providing exceptional customer service to our business community as we shape the local economy to help businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The role would suit an individual who provides a high degree of professionalism and can do attitude; with attention to detail and proficient in the use of software packages that include Excel and a CRM package to record business interactions.

Key elements of the role include supporting and developing business support initiatives that will not only help businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic but adapt to benefit from new businesses opportunities that emerge as the wider economy recovers.  In addition, we are looking for an individual to provide advice and guidance with funding applications to help businesses invest and grow.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate will have:

• Good interpersonal skills to engage with all levels of business and seniority 
• Adopts proactive approach that identifies opportunities and challenges
• Attention to detail to deliver the best possible customer service
• Excellent presentational and written communication skills and good IT skills

When applying for this role you will be asked to write a personal statement. Please include the following examples in your application: 

• To support the wider team and work with external Partners to help businesses develop and grow
• Examples of delivering support to businesses and communicating with all levels of business
• To help develop business support strategies
• Ability to think and operate systematically, manage personal time and priorities, and work flexibly

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'

Interview date(s): week commencing 26th April 2021

About Coventry

Coventry is a lively, multicultural city, which embraces old and new. Around the modern city centre there are traces of history everywhere – in the old city walls, the timber-framed buildings and the reconstructed medieval Spon Street. But Coventry has always had an eye on the future, and is now firmly focused on regenerating and re-inventing itself to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With major developments and new projects taking place right across the city, Coventry City Council is the place to be!

There's a huge buzz about the city – Coventry ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK, and is the UK City of Culture 2021 ! We believe this will help put Coventry on the map for all the right reasons. You can feel the sense of local pride throughout the city as we build towards this momentous year. It also offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to those joining us to play their part in it.

We genuinely believe that Coventry City Council is a special place. You will be joining Coventry City Council during an exciting time to become part of a team that contribute to achieving our visions for the city. We have made our council a place where we look after our people, making sure you're happy in your work and given everything you need to succeed. We've created friendly, welcoming workplaces where everyone is working towards the same cause, providing the best possible services for the city of Coventry.

As a council with improvement at its heart, we’re committed to making life better for the people who live and work in Coventry. We’re equally concerned with the quality of life enjoyed by our people, so by joining us, you won’t just be helping the community, you’ll be helping yourself too.

Not only do you get to work alongside great people that are helping to improve services for our community we offer great benefits too! For your valued contribution we will provide a fantastic benefits package including;

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave allowance starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days
• Pay progression through multiple increments
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Learning & Development with access to certified courses.
• Access to an award winning Occupational Health Team
• Vibrant employee networks 

Coventry City Council