Enterprise Oxfordshire - Head of Inward Investment

Salary up to £70k (FTC to March 2028, extension subject to funding) | Oxfordshire / Hybrid

Please note Enterprise Oxford operate on a 4 day week basis.

Drive global investment into one of the UK’s most powerful innovation economies.

The Opportunity

Oxfordshire is one of the UK’s most successful and internationally recognised economic regions, home to globally leading universities, pioneering research institutions and world-class innovation clusters. Enterprise Oxfordshire plays a central role in enabling that success – supporting business growth, attracting investment, connecting skills with opportunity and promoting the county on the global stage.

We are now seeking a strategic, ambitious and collaborative leader to attract the investment that will help unlock the county’s full potential. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Development & Programmes, you will play a pivotal role in attracting and securing high-value domestic and international investment, strengthening the county’s global position within the innovation economy.

You will lead the design and execution of a targeted investment strategy, develop a strong pipeline of opportunities, and manage key investor relationships from initial engagement through to successful delivery. Working at the interface of public and private sectors, you will help shape a compelling global proposition for Oxfordshire while ensuring that investment translates into inclusive, sustainable growth across the region.

The Organisation

Enterprise Oxfordshire has evolved from the county’s Local Enterprise Partnership into a new economic development and inward investment agency operating at the heart of the Oxfordshire innovation ecosystem. Working in partnership with local authorities, universities, businesses and national government, the organisation supports business growth, promotes inward investment and strengthens the skills pipeline for the region’s key sectors.

With funding secured through to 2028 and a refreshed governance structure being shaped, Enterprise Oxfordshire is entering an exciting new phase. Inward investment is central to this next chapter – with significant opportunity to elevate Oxfordshire’s international profile, deepen global partnerships and secure long-term economic growth.

Candidates

We are seeking a commercially astute and outward-facing leader with a strong track record of delivering inward investment, business development or economic growth at scale.

You will bring experience of operating in complex partnership environments, with the credibility to engage senior stakeholders across government, industry and academia, both in the UK and internationally. A deep understanding of investment drivers, the ability to develop compelling value propositions, and a proven track record of securing investment and building pipelines will be essential.

Equally important will be your ability to build and lead a high-performing team, navigate complexity, and translate strategy into delivery. You will be an effective ambassador for Oxfordshire – confident representing the region on the global stage and building long-term relationships with investors, partners and decision-makers.

For a confidential discussion contact: andrew.barton@penna.com or 07922 386 432

You can review the full Job Description here

How to Apply

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