Project Support Officer

Job Description

Post Title

Project Support Officer

Salary

£26K per annum

Hours

Full Time - 37.5 hours per week. Whilst the standard office hours will be 9.00am until 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am to 12.30pm on a Friday, the post holder will be required to work such hours as are operationally required for the proper performance of duties. 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

The Growth Hub office is currently located at Enterprise Centre, Coventry University Technology Park, Puma Way, Coventry CV1 2TT. 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 required for the proper performance of duties and visiting SMEs.

Employment Terms

Ongoing, subject to Government funding.

Reporting Lines

This post reports to the CEO, but on some day-to-day tasks and in the absence of the CEO, the post holder will be directed by the Head of Projects as needs dictate.

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.

Accountabilities:

1. Promote business investment and growth within SME businesses throughout the Coventry & Warwickshire region.

2. Collect and analyse information on the objectives and priorities of local businesses, as well as project objectives.

3. Work with the Project Team to lead on the successful delivery of project priorities and grow related activity across the region.

4. Help ensure the sustainability of the Project Team by driving engagement with partners and stakeholders, as well as identifying new projects worth collaborating on in the region.

Responsibilities:

1. 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.

2. Support on promoting opportunities amongst SMEs through identifying and collaborating on various projects in the region.

3. Support the management of key projects and initiatives to ensure delivery to project timescales, business and stakeholder engagement and budget.

4. Facilitate business engagement with local SMEs, large businesses and partner organisations to promote use and awareness of various projects.

5. Support on strategic partner consultations and business consultations around regional and sub-regional business opportunities.

6. Help manage relationships with key project stakeholders to maximise opportunities for local businesses and community organisations.

7. Monitor, record and report progress and interactions using the CRM system ensuring accurate and timely records at all times.

8. Help produce key data reports at the request of both local and central government, as well as those requests by stakeholders and Growth Hub management.

9. Proactively networking with the local business community, key stakeholders and enterprise organisations.

10. Support events and workshops that raise the profile of various business support projects within the region.

11. Share intelligence gained about the key takeaways from programmes with the project team and key partner organisations, in order to inform development plans.

12. Work collaboratively with the Growth Hub team to ensure the whole of Coventry & Warwickshire is appropriately supported through internal and external projects, as well as various other initiatives.

13. Keep informed about national and local policies and initiatives in respect of business growth and development, especially those that relate to SMEs.

14. Maintain high standards of confidentiality and ensure compliance with data protection and information security standards.

15. Identify and report issues relating to health & safety, maintaining an accident report system.

Person Specification

Qualification

(essential) Completed a broad education including GCSE grade C and above in English Language and Maths (or equivalent)

(desirable) Educated to degree level (or equivalent)

(desirable) Relevant qualifications in business, economic development, business advice and guidance

(desirable) Qualification in Project Management

Experience and Knowledge

(essential) Good working knowledge of business and/or project management

(essential) Experience of building effective working relationships, and of working in partnership with delivery partners, external suppliers and businesses

(desirable) Previous experience in project management, contract management or business development

Skills/Abilities

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.

High level of communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal with ability to engage, influence and promote delivery to senior stakeholders.

Excellent project support and report writing skills.

Excellent networking skills and able to manage ongoing relationships.

Skilled at interpreting and analysing research to inform actions.

Well-developed IT literacy to produce high quality documents and presentations (using MS Office packages).

(desirable) Knowledge of Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system or similar.

(desirable) A good understanding of business investment and public-sector decision-making processes.

Aptitude

Demonstrates natural ability and personality that will build and maintain personal credibility with client and partner relationships with a responsive “can do” attitude.

Circumstances

Able to work flexibly to accommodate early and late working times from time to time.

Valid driving licence and use of a vehicle insured for business use.

Equal Opportunities

Understanding of the requirements of Equality and Diversity