Description

Lead the Future of Investment in Wales’ Fastest Growing City

Newport is Wales’ fastest growing city. It is a diverse, ambitious and forward-looking place focused on building fair, prosperous and sustainable communities. As the city continues to grow, we are looking for a skilled professional to drive high-quality inward investment outcomes that strengthen Newport’s economic position and ensure communities benefit from long-term growth.

THE TEAM

You will join the Regeneration and Economic Development service area, working in the Strategic Economic Development team. This team is a purpose-driven group delivering a range of economic development activities. Adopting a culture of collaboration, they play a central role in shaping Newport’s investment priorities, supporting our existing FDI businesses and other key economic partners. They also lead on promoting the city across Wales, the UK and internationally.

As the Inward Investment Manager, you will play an instrumental role in positioning Newport as a leading UK investment location and ensure new investment delivers meaningful benefits for residents.

YOUR NEW ROLE

You will lead Newport’s inward investment and place marketing agenda, acting as the Council’s primary contact for investors, key businesses and strategic partners. You will be a sensemaker capable of organising, interpreting and giving meaning to complex situations, making them understandable and actionable for others. You will understand place marketing and how to build a compelling investment offer and ensure a seamless, proactive investor experience.

You will help conceive and constantly evolve our marketing proposition, represent Newport at investment and economic development events, take an active role in securing national and international investment and maximise external funding opportunities. Everything you do will support the narrative of economic growth, job creation and the long-term resilience of the city.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Position Newport as a leading UK investment location and highlight the strengths and opportunities within Wales’ fastest growing city.
• Drive inward investment that creates new jobs, supports business growth and delivers longterm economic resilience.
• Build lasting strategic partnerships across local, regional and national networks to unlock new economic opportunities.
• Lead promotional activity and produce high-quality, evidence-led content that strengthens Newport’s profile.
• Secure and maximise external funding to support both regeneration and economic development projects.
• Champion a seamless investor experience by removing barriers and accelerating investment delivery.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence, will thrive on change, and can build strong relationships with ease to drive meaningful economic prosperity for the city. That person should have:

• Strong experience in economic development and inward investment, with an understanding of regeneration and commercial investment factors.
• A proven track record of building effective partnerships across public and private sectors, being at ease working with senior stakeholders, politicians, businesses and investors.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to interpret and present opportunities clearly, concisely and persuasively.
• Experience leading or delivering at a senior level strategic economic development or investmentfocused projects and demonstrating initiative and problemsolving skills.
• Professional curiosity, constantly seeking out new ways of working and new opportunities to deliver prosperity for Newport.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

This is a brand-new, exciting role that will have a huge impact on Newport as a city. In addition to that you will get:

• A generous pension contribution scheme.
• 26 days annual leave with the option to purchase up to one week of additional leave.
• Opportunities for growth, progression and development.
• Opportunities to join a range of Staff Networks consisting of working groups that support the Council’s open and diverse culture.
• The Council is also willing to offer a relocation package of up to £8,000 for the successful candidate, subject to eligibility criteria.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Further details can be obtained by contacting Alastair Shankland via email alastair.shankland@newport.gov.uk.

We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.

Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.

Our values – Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together
Ein gwerthoedd – Ein Gwerthoedd, Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd