Economic Research and Insight Lead

Job Description

Our StorySurrey County Council is making its most significant ever investment in supporting Surreys economy. As the largest economy outside of London, and set against the backdrop of one of the most challenging and complex economic horizons in recent times, Surreys new Economy Team will support the Council in its ambitions to focus on the whole Surrey economy and to provide a resilient and ambitious economic environment through unprecedented economic challenges. This work has already started with the development of Surreys 2030 Economic Strategy which establishes a positive strategic context for growth, sets out the opportunity to both retain and secure additional investment in the county and focuses on how we will create inclusive, vibrant centres within the county through a hyper-local approach to innovative place making.The One Surrey Growth Board is also bringing forward its Plan for Growth, setting out how a focus on Surreys economic strengths can be enabled by sustainable, long-term planning of transport and digital infrastructure as well as the creation of high-quality homes and communities of the future. Through targeted economic interventions linked to the delivery of high quality place-based growth, Surrey will retain its role as an economic leader and continue to underpin the economic recovery of the UK. Sustained, strong partnership working is at the heart of the programme of work and our Growth Board intends to work with all stakeholders to build from the Plan for Growth bringing an appealing Growth Deal proposition to Government early in 2021. The proposition will set out how a different arrangement of resources, freedoms and flexibilities for Surrey can deliver at speed and scale against multiple Government priorities.We are seeking a high calibre candidate to join us on this exciting and rewarding journey. If you have a track record in working in complex partnership structures, delivering on ambitious economic strategies using innovative economic interventions through an empirical approach, then we want to hear from you.About the RoleThis post is based within the Economy function at Surrey County Council and we are looking for someone who can use their expertise to lead on research, analysis and insight for economic development, using a range of sources and methods. You will work closely with colleagues across the team, as well as the Insight, Analytics & Intelligence team and other areas across the people and place functions of the council.You will act as specialist point of contact for the Economy Team and wider organisation in relation to economic evidence ensuring all activity is underpinned by innovation, up-to-date data and best practice. You will provide high quality advice and guidance on research design, implementation and analysis such as questionnaire design, data analysis. The focus will be upon providing cross-Directorate / organisational economic insights to wider strategy development.You will develop the service, ensuring that it becomes recognised as centre of excellence for economic development, and promotes SCCs innovative work and feeding into national research to promote SCCs role nationally.About You We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

Experience of gathering, analysing and presenting economic data to support strategy development

Knowledge of economic data sources held by Government, Research Institutions and Think Tanks

An ability to use evidence and research to challenge traditional economic models of delivery

Comprehensive experience of economic data evidence and research collation

Experience of gathering, analysing and presenting this information to support strategy development

Wide ranging experience of using software analysis tools that support reporting

An awareness of international research to support economic programmes

Experience of innovative qualitative and quantitative application data

An ability to thrive in a fast moving, changeable environment

For more information please refer to the role profile attached at the bottom of this advert- we look forward to hearing from you!

Additional InformationContact DetailsTo request an informal chat about the role with Dawn Redpath please contact Kate Northwood via email.We look forward to receiving your application. Additional InformationThe job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 6th December 2020.Interviews will be held virtually and are anticipated to take place W/C 14th December 2020. Details of the selection process will be shared with you if your application is successfully shortlisted.Please note that Surrey County Councils headquarters, where this role is currently based, will be phasing a relocation back into Surrey to support our Community Vision 2030. Agile and flexible working is welcomed and supported; we care about the job you do, not where you do it.From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.Company InformationOur Values Our values are what support our vision, shape the culture and are crucial in delivering our corporate strategy.