Economy and City Centre Lead

• 1 day in the office per week
• at the offices in central Oxford
• in the Regeneration and Economy Service

Economy and City Centre Lead

Oxford is at the cutting edge of many of the world’s most innovative sectors, with huge growth potential. Home to one of the world’s leading universities and one of the best new universities, Oxford City is brimming with opportunity.

However, Oxford also faces significant challenges, including being the second most unequal city in the UK and grappling with an affordable housing crisis. It’s a city with huge demand but limited land supply, so making land use and development mix decisions is critical. Within this context, the economy and city centre teams act as both leaders and conveners in shaping the city's future as it rapidly evolves. 

If you thrive on tackling complex issues and driving transformative change in economic development or the built environment, this role is for you. They are looking for a consultative, collaborative leader to join their Regeneration, Economy and Sustainability Service.

You will provide strategic direction and coordination to continue delivering sustainable growth, guide the city’s economic prospects, and support a more inclusive economy for citizens.

You will lead the Economic Development and City Centre Management teams, overseeing the implementation and evolution of key strategies, including the Oxford Economic Strategy and the City Centre Action Plan.

This role is about creating the right conditions for others to thrive while making a tangible, lasting impact on the city.

The purpose of the job is:

• To be responsible for shaping the future of a world-class city with major strengths, huge potential, and significant challenges.
• Transforming strategic infrastructure, such as redeveloping shopping centres and train stations.
• Reopening rail branch lines and delivering new affordable workspaces.
• Driving community employment initiatives and expanding the city centre.
• Developing creative funding solutions for tourism management.
• Creating one of the largest innovation districts in the UK.
• Enhancing public spaces through city centre public realm improvements.

Reporting:

• You will report to the Head of Regeneration & Economy.
• You will be line managing up to 15 staff.

To be considered for the role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Experience at a senior level of successfully leading a service area or team focused on the built environment and/or economic development.
• A strong track record in economic development, place-making, and regeneration activity, with a strategic and delivery focus.
• Demonstrable programme management experience in complex programmes.
• Up-to-date knowledge of policy issues relating to economy, green transport, place management and regeneration.
• Ability to lead, motivate, manage, and develop individuals and teams to effectively manage conflicting and competing priorities to ensure strong service delivery. Promote high performance, continuous improvements, and innovation in support of driving forward effective service delivery.
• Demonstrable experience in operational, financial, resource and people management. Effective financial planning and budget management skills, experienced in both capital and revenue budgeting.
• A clear understanding of the major challenges in local government and the social policy issues faced in a multi-cultural city.
• Strong interpersonal skills—communicates effectively verbally and in writing, including presentation skills, with significant experience clearly and effectively communicating with a range of audiences.

• Salary £78,093 per annum
• Permanent contract
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme, with Oxford City Council contributing 13.8%
• 29 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays

Applications should be made via the online application system (no CVs, please). For further information and instructions on how to apply online, please visit the Oxford CC website. If you are unable to access the website, please call 01865 252848.

You will be informed whether the first round of interviews will be online or in-person (role-dependent).

• Closing Date: 26 January 2025
• Interview Date: 07 February 2025

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Carolyn Ploszynski, Head of Regeneration and Economy.

Access & Inclusion

Oxford City Council is striving to become a more inclusive employer and to represent the communities that they support. They have policies in place to ensure that every applicant and employee can flourish and succeed. Currently, they are underrepresented in some areas and would particularly welcome applicants from ethnic and minority communities. All applicants will be given fair consideration for work and will not receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of any protected characteristic.