Executive Director
Candidate Information Pack Contents Page Number
Welcome Message 2
About the North East 3
North East Local Enterprise Partnership & Combined Authority 6
North East Economic Review 8
Strategic Economic Plan 8
Role Profile 10
Person Specification 13
Indicative Timetable 15
How to Apply 16
2 Welcome Message
Thank you for your interest in the Executive Director position for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). By 2030, the North East aims to be a globally competitive economy, with more and better jobs created through making, trading and innovating.
Through smart, enterprising local leadership we aspire to create the best possible conditions for economic growth, improving growth in jobs, regional investment and improve living standards, to make the North East an excellent location for business.
The North East Local Enterprise Partnership has begun a search for an experienced and ambitious leader to lead the partnership, working with the newly formed North East Combined Authority. We are seeking an outstanding leader to take charge of the integrated teams delivering the Strategic Economic Plan and build on the area’s achievements to date. Recently, we successfully secured £290m from the Government’s Growth Deal to take forward our plans. This investment– which will help create more than 4,000 jobs and attract an additional £90m in public and private sector funding – puts us in the top three areas for local growth, as we are for European Structural and Investment Funding (ESIF) - a clear endorsement of national and European confidence in our plans.
The North East LEP is a business-led proactive LEP working closely with the newly-formed North East Combined Authority. We commissioned Lord Adonis to carry out his independent review into how we could create sustained economic growth for the region, and the Strategic Economic Plan sets out how we will achieve this vision. We now need an experienced and inspirational Executive Director to knit all the strands together - translating strategy and plans into actionable outcomes that make a sustainable difference to the region.
You will lead the implementation of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, a crucial part of our shared vision for sustainable economic growth in the region based on creating more and better jobs. At the heart of the plan are a range of projects to boost innovation, skills, business support and transport and will develop the region’s economic assets while supporting inclusive growth. We are also one of three LEP areas chosen to run a skills pilot, which will play a vital role in creating the more and better jobs pledged in the Strategic Economic Plan
The LEP and the Combined Authority are working in partnership to find the right person to take on this challenge and help us to move forward our plans for the region’s economic development. Whilst this will be a very challenging role, ultimately, it will be a highly rewarding. The successful candidate will be someone able to understand the bigger vision, working with a wide range of partners, managing the teams working to achieve our aims.
You could not have picked a better time to get involved in this broad agenda of international significance. The successful candidate will be someone able to understand the bigger vision and outstanding leader that is able to manage the multi-disciplinary teams operating from cross-organisational boundaries and complex decision-making processes to deliver our aims.
We are looking forward to the appointment as the next stage in the North East’s continued journey towards a strong and sustainable economy for everyone in the region. If you are interested in this critical but fulfilling role then we look forward to receiving your application.
Paul Woolston, Chair, NELEP Simon Henig Chair NECA
3 About the North East
The North East LEP area has a population of two million people and an economy generating £30bn each year. The area encompasses city locations and a network of towns and smaller settlements including urban, coastal and rural communities. The city and urban areas, clustered in and around the Rivers Tyne and Wear, are key business and employment locations and are complemented by a strong network of settlements along strategic transport corridors and in rural and coastal locations.
The urban areas combine world-class higher education, cultural assets, retail and evening economy, with financial, professional and business services employment. The rural areas are also home to a substantial proportion of the area’s business base, with the rural economy supporting a number of sectors essential to the wider economy. The area’s unique profile is underpinned by natural, cultural, sporting and heritage assets. The diverse and complementary offers of the city, urban, coastal and rural locations mark the area as distinctive and this is reflected in the pride and sense of identity of the people and communities who live here.
The area is well connected in terms of road, rail and air; less than 3 hours from London, 1.5hrs from Edinburgh, with Newcastle International Airport supporting global connectivity.
The North East is establishing an international reputation for innovation in newly emerging sectors. It's an intensely rewarding place to live and spend quality leisure time with its vibrant cities and beautiful coast and countryside. A lively, innovative spirit characterises the people of the North East and is very much in evidence, whether at work or play.
Key Sectors include:
Offshore Marine North East England is a gateway to marine related industries. With a particular strength in subsea, and 50 supply chain companies generating a turnover of £1 billion a year and supporting more than 10,000 jobs, the North East really is making waves on a worldwide stage.
Among the industry leaders based here are Siemens, Vattenfall Wind Energy, Liebherr, Maersk Training, Duco, Bridon, Samsung Heavy Industries, A&P Tyne, Doosan Babcock Energy, SMD, Technip, GE Wellstream and BEL. And with a wide variety of riverside locations available, including over 400 acres of deep water development land, much of which benefits from Enterprise Zone status, teamed with ready-made infrastructure – from deep water quays, heavy load out pads and heavy lift cranes – to help companies establish their presence here quickly, the region really is an attractive proposition for investors.
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Manufacturing is continuing to breathe new life into the region’s economy, as the North East perpetually makes a name for itself as a high value manufacturing and engineering powerhouse. Home to giants, like Nissan, Hitachi, Komatsu, Gestamp Tallent, Nestle and Caterpillar, the area’s booming manufacturing community is pumping more than £7.5billion into the North East economy and that of neighbouring Tees Valley, with some 60,000 people working in the engineering sector in the North East.
The biggest component of the sector is automotive manufacturing where, in just 30 years, the region has gone from a standing start to being the number one car producing region in the UK, home to the UK’s largest and most productive car plant ever, and an unrivalled supply chain. The region has also attracted other industries linked to advanced engineering, such as aerospace and defence, and is emerging as a leader in low carbon vehicles and rail engineering.
The region has a proven ability to attract, retain and grow inward investment, with companies taking
4 advantage of the unique combination of locational advantages and great support.
Science & Healthcare North East England’s Science & Healthcare sector is host to leading businesses in the field, top universities, world-class technology parks like NETPark and Newcastle Science Central and organisations that are charged with leading the sector’s development, the North East is an area that has science in its DNA.
The North East is already home to 240 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical technology and healthcare companies, to leading world-class academic research, translational medicine and clinical excellence in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Characterised and driven by leading universities, clinical infrastructure, public sector investment and the industrial base, the region has developed particular expertise in a number of sub-sectors, disease areas and thematic areas including ageing and health, regenerative medicine, diagnostics and drug discovery. This has led to industry giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Proctor & Gamble, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Piramal Healthcare and Waters Corporation investing in the area, as well as home-grown success stories like Kromek, QuantuMDx, Aesica, SCM Pharma, Reinnervate, Peacocks Medical Group, Orla Protein and Tynetec.
Creative and Digital The North East is home to a growing cluster of innovative creative and digital businesses that are taking advantage of the highly skilled people the area boasts, and the collaborative, connected and cutting edge environments on offer in this part of the world. The area is already home to some 6,000 businesses in this field, employing over 20,000 people and contributing £755million to the regional economy each year. And the sector has enjoyed continuous growth, seeing more new technology start-ups than anywhere else outside of London.
So it is no surprise that among the businesses choosing the North East are nationally and internationally recognised technology enterprises including locally founded Sage plc, the world’s third-largest supplier of enterprise resource planning software and the largest supplier to small businesses, and employing hundreds of people in Newcastle HQ; Leighton, one of the UK’s foremost digital consultancies with a large global portfolio; 5th Generation Technologies, an Indian company that chose Sunderland for its European base to develop business intelligence tools for manufacturing and retail firms; Accenture, a global IT outsourcer which has its UK delivery centre in the region; Reflections, the largest independent game publisher in Europe; Eutechnyx, the world’s leading independent racing game developer with a history spanning 25 years and CCP Games, the world-renowned Icelandic games studio, which has a strategic base here in North East England. Other big name technology businesses that have chosen the North East are IBM, Worldpay and HP.
Tourism The area’s unique profile is underpinned by natural, cultural and sporting and heritage assets each of which have a role to play in its economic future. The quality and diversity of the nationally protected coastal and countryside landscapes set the area apart. The diverse and complementary offers of the city, urban and rural locations mark the area as distinctive and this is reflected in the people and communities who live here. Professional & Business Services The North East is a hugely attractive place for financial, professional and business services, with high quality accommodation, a loyal and highly skilled workforce and a reputation for excellent customer service. With great links to the capital, a large number of businesses are ‘North-shoring’ to take advantage of the benefits the region brings. The area is home to some of the largest legal and financial services companies in the UK, including Barclays, Virgin Money, Santander, AA Insurance, Sage plc, Eversheds, Ward Hadaway, PWC, KPMG and Ernst & Young among others, and will soon be joined by the Atom Bank, the first truly digital bank, which has committed itself to a North East base. And the low business costs and high quality offices have attracted a wide range of UK and international companies to establish large scale contact centres, shared services and
5 back office facilities including names like EE, BskyB, British Airways, Convergys, Sitel, RWE, nPower, Balfour Beatty and Teleperformance.
One of the major attractions to investors is the ready availability of a skilled and loyal workforce. 1.6 million people live within a 30 minute catchment area of the key employment sites, providing a vast pool of talented individuals for businesses to tap into. The loyalty, productivity, commitment and work ethic of the workforce is one of the area’s most important assets.
6 North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the North East Combined Authority (NECA)
The North East Local Enterprise Partnership brings together business leaders, universities and elected members of the North East Leadership Board. It is the fourth largest local enterprise partnership in the UK, covering the local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. This geographic area covers 40,315 businesses and a workforce of 850,600, 3.5% of the national total.
The enterprise partnership is a business-led, strategic partnership responsible for promoting and developing economic growth in the area. We are funded by the seven local authorities and Government. Our Board was appointed in July 2011 and includes 18 representatives from across the private and public sectors and is chaired by Paul Woolston.
The North East Combined Authority provides a robust and accountable structure for the area, working with the Local Enterprise Partnership and enabling co-ordination and delivery across the range of priorities set out in the Strategic Economic Plan for the North East. Each of the Leaders and Elected Mayor of the seven authorities are members of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership Board, and the Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership is a member of the Combined Authority. Formally, the Combined Authority will provide the accountable body arrangements for the Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Combined Authority has a leading role to play in creating the conditions for economic growth and new investment. The Combined Authority’s role in transport, employability and skills is critical in supporting a growing economy and workforce whilst the co-ordination of investment in economic infrastructure will help to ensure that the area can attract and embed investment – both capital and people.
The NELEP board includes 18 representatives from across the private and public sectors. Each of the leaders and the elected Mayor representing the seven councils are members of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, and the Chair of the Enterprise Partnership is a member of the Combined Authority.
North East LEP Board Paul Woolston - Chair Andrew Hodgson (Vice Chair) - CEO, Soil Machine Dynamics (SMD) Cllr Simon Henig (Vice Chair) - Leader of Durham County Council Arnab Basu - Founding CEO of Kromek, Michael Bellamy - General Manager, PII Pipeline Solutions David Land - Operations and Engineering Director, Tallent Engineering Gillian Hall - senior partner of Watson Burton LLP Jeremy Middleton - Director, Middleton Enterprises LTD Gill Southern MBE - Director and co-owner of Wessington Cryogenics Paul Varley - (former) Chief Executive of Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club Norma Redfearn - Mayor of North Tyneside Cllr Mick Henry CBE - Leader of Gateshead Council Cllr Nick Forbes - Leader of Newcastle City Council Cllr Iain Malcolm - Leader of South Tyneside Council Cllr Grant Davey - Northumberland County UA Cllr Paul Watson - Leader of Sunderland City Council Professor Peter Fidler - Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Sunderland University Anne Isherwood - Principal, Sunderland College
For more information on the LEP, please visit their website at: www.nelep.co.uk
7 North East Combined Authority (NECA) The seven local authorities of Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland County Council, South Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council, established the North East Leadership Board to create a Combined Authority for the areas they serve.
Together they were successful in putting together a powerful case for the area to have devolved powers to stimulate economic growth, job creation, skills development and improved transport links. The benefit of having devolved funding, powers and responsibilities from central Government will enable NECA to make decisions based on local knowledge that will maximise the area's opportunities and potential.
Building on the successful track record of joint working, the North East Combined Authority reinforces existing partnership arrangements across the public and private sectors to drive forward change and deliver economic growth. The Combined Authority will not replace the existing local authorities; individual councils remain the best organisations to deliver the vast majority of services for their own communities.
The North East Leadership Board is the strategic decision-making body of the Combined Authority. It has eight members – the six Council Leaders and the elected Mayor, together with the Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.
A significant body within the Combined Authority is the Transport North East Committee. This is a joint committee of the Combined Authority and seven individual councils that will advise the Combined Authority and oversee the delivery of transport functions across the area.
In addition the Combined Authority also has an Overview and Scrutiny Committee and an Audit and Standards Committee which report direct to the board.
Constitution and Operating Agreement The constitution sets out how the North East Combined Authority operates, how decisions are made and what procedures will be followed to ensure the Combined Authority works efficiently, effectively and is both transparent and accountable.
Each of the seven councils involved has entered into an operating agreement which details how work will be carried out and who will do it as well as the protocols which underpin the operation of the Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority has a leading role to play working closely with the Local Enterprise Partnership in creating the conditions for economic growth and new investment. We are firmly committed to collaboration within the combined area but also with neighbours in Tees Valley and elsewhere on key issues such as transport. For the first time there is one organisation with responsibility for strategic transport for all seven local authority areas.
Our role in transport and skills is critical in supporting a growing economy and workforce and our co- ordination of investment in our economic infrastructure helps to ensure that the area can attract new investment and people.
Working in partnership enables us to better share and prioritise resources, assets and funding and to ensure that they are used to deliver sustainable economic growth. Investment decisions taken by the Combined Authority will fully reflect business views ensuring that public investment is targeted to maximise business benefit, which is key to economic growth. For more information on the Combined Authority, please visit their website at: www.northeastca.gov.uk
8 North East Economic Review
In March 2013, Lord Andrew Adonis published our North East Independent Economic Review.
Lord Adonis worked with five other panel members to complete the findings: Heidi Mottram, Northumbrian Water, Chief Executive and CBI, Regional Chair; Bridget Rosewell, economist and Volterra Partners, Chair; Will Hutton, Big Innovation Centre, Chair and Hertford College, Oxford, Principal; Jonathan Ruffer, Ruffer LLP, Chair; and Lord Donald Curry, Better Regulation Executive, Chair and Royal Veterinary College, Chair.
The economic review panel reviewed over 50 formal evidence submissions from the public and private sector, including the CBI, Institute of Directors, local authorities, the voluntary and community sectors, universities and colleges. The review panel was supported by international experts bringing significant expertise and knowledge to provide a wider perspective and challenge.
The team has drawn on a wide range of evidence, local knowledge and experience alongside expert think pieces to develop their recommendations. The Review has taken a broad approach to considering how to best to drive economic growth over the next twenty years. The full report can be found at http://www.nelep.co.uk/media/2935/nelep_ipad-version_hires.pdf
Strategic Economic Plan
Our Strategic Economic Plan sets out our ambitious vision to strengthen the area’s economy and provide more opportunities for businesses and communities. This will involve a wide range of actions from investment in infrastructure to actions which inspire people across the area.
The seven leaders along with the business board members are committed to a seamless approach to delivering our shared ambition for growth. Building on the political leadership of the Combined Authority, the Strategic Economic Plan for the area provides a clear pathway for local decision-making and the joint roles of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Combined Authority.
The businesses and people in our area have delivered startling economic performance in recent years, outperforming national growth rates for output, productivity and employment. In just twelve months, nearly 20,000 additional jobs have been created – equivalent to 28% of the employment growth seen over the ten year period of the previous growth cycle. This is an astonishing achievement which demonstrates the area’s economic potential. However, with employment levels still lower than the national average, we cannot let this be the last such year. Now is the time to invest to catalyse these transformational shifts in jobs and growth for the benefit of our local and national economies.
Our scale, sector strengths and international reach make us a powerful place to do business. Recent performance demonstrates that our commercial strengths in manufacturing, engineering, life sciences and low carbon technologies are world class. Coupled with a quality of life which is second to-none and real incomes that are some of the highest in the country, the area offers a compelling story for investment and increasing prosperity. That is why we are setting ourselves an ambitious vision: our economy will provide over one million jobs by 2024; an increase of 11% over the period.
Our strategic economic plan is the culmination of extensive engagement with many local stakeholders and partners and invaluable advice and support from national and international experts. Our plan has strong business and political endorsement and builds upon the extensive conference, seminar and workshop programme undertaken for the North East Independent Economic Review. We have made some bold decisions in prioritising projects and investments to reflect the growth needs of our economy. For example, six major innovation projects - but no housing projects – feature in our plan.
9 As a result, we have a clear sense of direction for the future which is set out in our plan. The plan builds upon our proposals for allocating the European Structural and Investment Funds between 2014 and 2020. It also sets out our bid to the Local Growth Fund, following a rigorous process to identify a prioritised list of capital projects that will deliver clear outcomes of economic growth, and more and better jobs. Specific detail on investments, outputs and outcomes are detailed in six implementation plans that accompany this plan.
Money alone will not achieve the transformational change that the area is intent on delivering. We need to change the way we work with government and this plan therefore sets out proposals for how we can add value through greater devolution of both funds and decision making to partners in the North East. Education is at the heart of economic success and social progress and we are setting out a compelling case, with programmes for investment to ensure that every young person is equipped with the education they need and deserve. Against a backdrop of costs and future demand for land that requires a sharing of value between sites, we propose a co-operative and coordinated approach to land and property with central government that will maximise both economic and financial returns.
We are committed to building maturity and confidence in our governance structures and the establishment of a combined authority is an important milestone in strengthening local decision making. The Local Enterprise Partnership’s strategic leadership will remain central to maintaining our focus on jobs and growth. We set out more detail on the evolution of our governance and leadership arrangements in our plan.
Faced with an ambitious and long term set of proposals, some of which are deliberately beyond the scale of the Local Growth Fund, now is the time for government to be brave – with a growing national and local economy and a local partnership which has rallied to the challenge set by the independent economic review, there has never been a better time for government to fully endorse our proposals and invest in success.
To access the full strategic economic plan, please visit http://www.nelep.co.uk/media/5709/more-and- better-jobs-north-east-strategic-economic-plan-2014-public.pdf
10 Role Profile
North East LEP
Executive Director
Governance and Reporting Arrangements
Reporting to the LEP Board to ensure a combined platform and decision-making mechanism that enables the effective aligned prioritisation of resources, assets and funding; ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the North East Strategic Economic Plan.
Working closely with the Combined Authority providing a robust and accountable structure for the area, supporting the work of the Local Enterprise Partnership and enabling co-ordination across the range of priorities set out in the Strategic Economic Plan. Formally, the Combined Authority will provide the accountable body arrangements for the Local Enterprise Partnership.
In terms of practical working arrangements for delivery of the Strategic Economic Plan for the North East, responsibility for leading individual programmes has been agreed by the Combined Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership. The Combined Authority has identified thematic lead responsibilities that align to the plan and will ensure full engagement of public and private sector Board members across the themes, being clear where leadership is through a business or political lead. The relationship will be seamless and ensure that all partners play to their strengths in pursuing a shared vision for growth.
The Local Enterprise Partnership executive team and secondees from partners including the local authorities have collaborated through a joint task group to develop this plan and to support the production of the European strategy. The interface between the Combined Authority and the North East Enterprise Partnership Board will be achieved by aligned executive support and joint working arrangements to ensure delivery against priorities, supporting the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Combined Authority across the programmes set out in the SEP.
The combined efforts of the NELEP and NECA will create the conditions for economic growth and new investment and ensure that public investment is targeted and delivered to maximise business benefit. Together we will translate the North East Strategic Economic Plan into a Programme of actionable deliverables and remove the barriers to implementation and growth.
Direct Reports: Local Enterprise Partnership Team and North East Combined Authority employees (as established/recruited)
Remuneration: Competitive Six Figure Package
Organisational Purpose:
The North East LEP has made enormous progress, having overseen the creation of policies and initiatives designed to make a long-term difference to the regional economy. In the next three years and beyond, the implementation of the North East Strategic Economic Plan will be the primary focus of the LEP, working closely with the North East Combined Authority..
The 10-year plan for growth and employment, which lays out ambitious plans to create a further 100,000 jobs over the next decade, is based on the findings of the North East Independent Economic Review.
11 The Strategic Economic Plan sets out a route for the region to be more globally competitive and create more and better jobs. Building on the Adonis Review, it has a clear, cohesive strategy to propel long-term growth in the North East and channel future investment most effectively.
In the LEP’s first three years, the North East Investment Fund has been introduced, this has provided millions of pounds in loans and investments for North East companies, and the enterprise partnership has attracted half a billion pounds in European Structural and Infrastructure funds to the region.
The North East is the only LEP area to have two City Deals in place (Newcastle and Gateshead; and Sunderland and South Tyneside), and the enterprise partnership was selected as one of three Skills Pilot areas in the UK. By 2030, the North East aims to be a globally competitive economy, with more and better jobs created through making, trading and innovating. Through smart, enterprising local leadership we aspire to create the best possible conditions for economic growth, improving growth in jobs, regional investment and improve living standards, to make the North East an excellent location for business.
Role:
Provide strategic leadership to build on the successful track record of joint working in the North East, leading on the advancement of the strategic economic priorities and removing the barriers required to deliver a shared vision for economic growth, that will support enterprise and private sector business growth, build on economic strengths, improve skills in the region, strengthen transport, connectivity and infrastructure and attract investment in the North East.
Ensure the delivery of high quality transport infrastructure for the North East and enable residents to raise their skill levels and to benefit from economic growth long into the future.
This key role will provide the leadership to embed joint working across the Combined Authority and the LEP within a wider partnership, ensuring democratic accountability and a strong business voice.
Principal Responsibilities:
To lead on the implementation of the Strategic Economic Plan and to help guide decisions for the economic benefit of the area; creating a unified voice and key point of contact and co-ordination for business, national and local government and other partners;
To maximise economic growth and champion the development of the economy of the North East Combined Authority area and promote the opportunities available within the area, acting as an advocate and champion for business and community interests;
To raise the profile of the area externally, both locally, nationally and internationally across the private and public sector, building strong sustainable strategic partnerships with a broad range of local and national stakeholders and partners;
To act as senior advisor on issues of development of economic policy and programmes and coordinate activity and decision making processes to deliver the North East Strategic Economic Plan;
To secure the funding and investment to deliver the Strategic Economic Plan across the North East Combined Authority and LEP, structuring complex cross boundary and cross sector investments and funding streams to deliver economic growth in line with agreed priorities, outputs and outcomes, ensuring that the type, quality and timing of investments and funding (including European) are in accordance with economic growth requirements of the region;
12 To create a strong environment for economic growth, to remove the barriers to economic growth (e.g. service vacuums, planning, skills, infrastructure, finance, transport and assets);
Ensure the provision of full, clear, timely and accurate information, analysis and advice on matters relating to strategy, operations, resources, relationships, making certain that the NE LEP is a high performing partnership focused on delivering the implementation plan;
Effectively lead, manage and deploy human resources available to the NE LEP, both direct and indirect through the extended partnership, Combined Authority, ensuring a high performing integrated resource that is fit for purpose and responsive to delivering the North East Strategic Economic Plan;
Ensuring a concerted approach to the delivery of strategic priorities, delivering integrated programmes, working with the LEP, Combined Authority, respective Councils, Government, and businesses to unlock opportunities, lobbying for support, resources, removing barriers, and drive innovative projects deemed to be of strategic importance to the future economic growth of the region.
13 Person Specification
In your written application, please give evidence of proven experience in response to as many of the criteria listed in "Part One" of the Person Specification as possible. These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview, together with the other criteria listed in "Part Two". It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong record across a broad range of the criteria in both Part One and Part Two.
Part One: Essential Experience
1. A proven track record of outstanding leadership at Chief Executive or comparable level within a commercial environment, developing and leading successful sustainable partnerships and working through the leadership of a multi-sector and multi-disciplinary Board;
2. Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams to achieve a range of economic objectives;
3. An outstanding track record of driving complex programmes, brokering deals and partnerships in economic development, infrastructure, trade, emerging technologies, investment and/or finance or other comparable area;
4. An exceptional track record of bringing together innovative multi-million pound programmes/projects using various forms of delivery (direct, joint ventures, partnerships) and financing and investment methods;
5. A proven track record of working with a Board, building confidence and trust in the work of comparable complex environment;
6. Successful track record of leading and shaping an organisation through transition, securing resources, finance, managing high performing teams (direct and indirect), formulating budgets, programmes and applying rigorous monitoring and procedures within an Accountable Framework;
7. Experience of building significant organisational profile, developing effective communication strategy and building within a diverse private-public stakeholder environment., a coherent and consistent communications plan;
8. Experience of working with the private and public sectors, including Ministers and senior national and local politicians.
Part Two: Abilities, Skills and Knowledge
Excellent knowledge of economic policies and experience of developing and delivering economic strategies and initiatives, including maximising external funding opportunities;
An appreciation of LEPs and Combined Authorities;
Excellent presentation, communication, interpersonal and advocacy skills, including the ability to network with a range of audiences from local SMEs to international investors and from national politicians to business leaders;
Demonstrable ability to lead and motivate others to high performance in complex environments and cross organisational boundaries;
14 Demonstrable understanding of delivering economic growth and removing the barriers to growth;
Ability to think strategically and corporately, with a consensus building and creative approach to problem solving;
Ability to maintain a clear overview of issues affecting the current and future priorities;
Outstanding understanding of business and commercial acumen;
High level analytical skills;
Demonstrable political nous, awareness and sensitivity;
Ability to operate under an intense media and public spotlight.
Personal Style and Behaviour
An inspirational, motivational, enthusing leader; who leads by example, determined, positive and approachable;
A robust individual, resilient, demonstrating confidence, political nous and integrity to cope with the demands of the role;
An inclusive team player who can foster partnerships and work collaboratively across boundaries;
Agree personal performance objectives and targets with the Chair/Board and participate in regular performance appraisals;
Fully committed to the principles, values and vision underpinning the work of the integrated North East Combined Authority and LEP.
15 Indicative Timetable
(NB: Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage).
Advert Appears (5 week period) Wednesday 10th September 2014
Advert Closing Date Wednesday 8th October
Search Ends Wednesday 15th October
Client Long List Meeting w/c 20th October
Preliminary Interviews (Rockpools) w/c 27th October
Client Short List Meeting/Assessment w/c 3rd November
Final Panel Interviews (NE LEP) w/c 10th November
16 How to Apply
Ref Number: NELEP001
If you wish to apply, please supply the following documentation:
A comprehensive CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements, and details of your current salary and benefits (in confidence). A supporting statement that fully addresses the criteria in Part One of the person specification. Please also state your current remuneration package and details of two referees together with a brief statement of the capacity in which, and the length of time for which, they have known you (referees will not be contacted before final interviews without your express permission). The successful candidate will be subject to final references before an appointment can be formally offered;
It is essential in your written application that you provide as full an answer as possible to the questions being answered to ensure your application covers all the relevant experience that the selection panel will be looking for in the sift process.
If you wish to receive a hard copy of the information content, or in an alternative format e.g. Audio, Braille or large font then please contact Kelly Rooke on +44 (0)20 3137 3449 or by e-mailing her at [email protected]
If you cannot apply online, please post applications to:
Kelly Rooke Coventry Techno Centre Coventry University Technology Park Puma Way Coventry CV1 2TT United Kingdom
For an informal and confidential discussion, please call our advising consultants at Rockpools: David Thomas on +44 (0)20 3137 3446 or Balvinder Sangha on 44 (0)20 3137 3453
Rockpools will, of course, respect the privacy of any conversations regarding this role.
17