We're Recruiting - Business Navigator
Post Title - Business Navigator - CWLEP Growth Hub
Salary - Band C £24,000 – £28,000 per annum, salary progression dependant on successful achievement of targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
Hours - Full time - 37.5 hours per week. Whilst the standard working days for the post holder will be Monday to Friday, 09.00-17.00, there will be occasions when flexibility in working hours is required to support specific tasks and events. For example, working early or late to support a VIP visit or Growth Hub event or attendance at a particular meeting for which time off in lieu will be given. Overtime is not paid.
Location - Growth Hub office is currently located at Cheylesmore House, 5 Quinton Rd, Coventry CV1 2WT. A good proportion of the role will be carried out within the Growth Hub office in Coventry but there will be from time to time travel throughout the Coventry and Warwickshire Area as required for assistance at external events
Employment Terms - This position is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Whilst we await the outcome of Government changes to funding this post is fixed term until 31st December 2018 in the first instance.
Reporting Lines - This post reports to the Senior Account Manager.
Purpose of this Job Description:
The employer considers this document as a “snapshot” of the job and the tasks listed are not an exhaustive list. It aims to provide a clear guide at the time of writing to all that is involved about the requirements of the job. It will also be used to communicate expectations about performance and will be used to monitor effective performance.
The Organisation
Local Enterprise Partnerships, a partnership between the private and public sector, were set up by government to help determine local economic priorities and lead economic growth and job creation within a local area. The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), set-up in 2011, created a business led ‘Front Door’ now known as the Growth Hub.
The Growth Hub ‘hides the wiring’ of the complex provision across all identified barriers to growth. The intention is to enable Startup and SME companies to, efficiently and appropriately, access bespoke elements of support that they require in order to grow faster and further (Scale Up) than would otherwise be the case.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Accountabilities:
- Promote business investment and growth within SME businesses throughout the Coventry & Warwickshire region
- Collect and analyse information on the objectives and priorities of local businesses
- Lead on the delivery of Information, Diagnostics and Brokerage for ERDF programmes as services to Startups and SMEs
- Support the team of Account Managers in their duties
Responsibilities:
- Maintain knowledge of the scale and scope of the local SME business support infrastructure and proactively develop relationships with SMEs in Coventry and Warwickshire by identifying solutions to growth issues and pinpoint pathways towards resolving them with the objective of supporting business growth
- Help SMEs by looking at clients’ business ideas to see if they have potential, helping clients to develop business plans advising on sources of finance and grants, helping existing SMEs with problems such as finding ways to reduce costs or improve marketing, referring clients to other sources of specialist advice if necessary. Provide IDB service of 3 hrs to clients. Complete registration and output forms for each client.
- Prepare ERDF claims
- Complying with state aid agreements by sending out De Minimis letters
- Work with delivery partners and external suppliers to ensure that programmes are relevant and optimise impact
- Ensure that a consistent and proactive service is provided at all times by the Growth Hub
- Proactively networking with the local business community and enterprise organisations
- Enter and manage data in CRM system, keeping track of clients’ progress and interactions, ensuring accurate and timely records at all times.
- Arrange and deliver advice workshops, seminars and networking events
- Prepare reports for Operational Group, LEP etc. as and when required. Share intelligence gained about the target region with Growth Hub Team and key partner organisations in order to inform development plans
- Keep informed about national and local policies and initiatives in respect of business growth and development, especially those that relate to SME’s
- Work collaboratively with the Growth Hub team to ensure the whole of Coventry & Warwickshire is appropriately supported
- Maintain high standards of confidentiality and ensure compliance with data protection and information security standards.
- Identify and report issues relating to health & safety, maintaining an accident report system.
Person Specification
Person Specification
Essential
-
Completed a broad education including GCSE grade C and above in English Language and Maths (or equivalent)
Desirable
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Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
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Relevant qualifications in business, economic development, business advice and guidance
Experience and Knowledge
Essential
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Good working knowledge of business management
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Experience of building effective working relationships, and of working in partnership with delivery partners, external suppliers and businesses
Desirable
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Previous experience in working wihin an SME
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Previous experience in management, finance or human resources
Skills/Abilities
Essential
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Demonstrate ability to cope with high volumes of work, to set and meet deadlines and targets; determine priorities and organise work and coordinate activities to provide an efficient service
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High level of communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal with ability to engage, influence and promote delivery to senior executives
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Excellent project management and report writing skills
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Excellent networking skills and able to manage ongoing relationships
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Skilled at interpreting and analysing research to inform actions
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Well-developed IT literacy to produce high quality documents and presentations (using MS Office packages)
Desirable
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Knowledge of Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system or similar
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A good understanding of business investment and public sector decision making processes
Aptitude
Essential
- Demonstrates natural ability and personality that will build and maintain personal credibility with client and partner relationships with a responsive “can do” attitudeDemonstrate being articulate, presentable, co-operative, reliable and customer responsive with a “can do” attitude
Circumstances
Essential
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Able to work flexibly to accommodate early and late working times from time to time
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Valid driving license and use of a vehicle insured for business use
Equal Opportunities
Essential
- Understanding of the requirements of Equality and Diversity
To apply for this position, please email your covering letter and CV to sarah.pagan@cwgrowthhub.co.uk
Closing date for all applications is 12pm on Wednesday 8th March 2017
