Enterprise Oxfordshire - Inward Investment Sector Lead

Salary up to £45k (FTC to March 2028, extension subject to funding) | Oxfordshire / Hybrid

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

Champion growth in 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 two Sector Leads (Business Development & Investment) to join a new team to help drive the sustainable growth of Oxfordshire’s priority sectors and support the attraction of new investment into the region. Working as part of a new team, you will help deliver targeted business development activity, generate investment opportunities and support the conversion of high-quality inward investment projects.

You will act as a sector specialist, identifying opportunities, account managing existing strategic businesses, engaging with prospective investors and supporting projects from initial enquiry through to delivery. Working closely with partners across government, academia and industry, you will help position Oxfordshire as a globally competitive destination for innovation and investment, while ensuring that growth translates into tangible benefits for local communities.

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. Strengthening sector-led growth and building a strong pipeline of investment opportunities will be central to this next chapter.

Candidates

We are seeking two commercially minded and proactive individuals with experience in business development, inward investment or economic development, ideally within one of Oxfordshire’s key sectors – such as Digital and Tech, Clean Energy & Sustainability, and Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering.

They will bring strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively across a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, government partners and academic institutions. A good understanding of investment drivers, foreign direct investment and sector dynamics will be important, alongside the ability to identify opportunities and support their successful delivery.

Equally important will be energy, adaptability and ability to work as part of a collaborative team. Also comfortable in engaging with senior stakeholders, supporting international engagement activity and representing Oxfordshire in a professional and credible manner.

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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