OR110067 – Business Engagement and Grants Officer (SCP 29) – Marketing

Main Purpose of the Role

To support the success of Elmbridge’s high streets by engaging with local businesses, managing business support grants, building partnerships and helping independent businesses and SMEs access the support they need to grow and thrive.

Typical Day

• Visiting local high streets and meeting business owners to understand their needs and provide advice or signposting.
• Responding to business enquiries and supporting grant applications.
• Reviewing grant documents, checking eligibility and maintaining accurate records.
• Liaising with council teams, business groups and external partners to coordinate support.
• Attending meetings, workshops or networking events with local businesses.
• Updating reports, tracking project progress and supporting high-street improvement initiatives

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering and administering high-street grant programmes worth over £100,000, supporting projects such as shopfront improvements, empty unit activation, digital support, energy efficiency measures and outdoor seating initiatives.
• Managing the full grant process, including eligibility checks, assessments, agreements, compliance monitoring, payments and maintaining accurate audit records.
• Supporting businesses with funding applications and connecting them with relevant council services, including planning, licensing, environmental health, waste and business rates.
• Developing strong partnerships with businesses and stakeholders through meetings, workshops, networking events and town-centre initiatives.
• Supporting projects that improve local centres, encourage investment, promote independent businesses and enhance the trading environment.
• Working collaboratively across council teams to deliver effective, joined-up support for the business community.
• Preparing reports, evaluations and case studies to demonstrate the impact of programmes and initiatives.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in business engagement, grants administration, project support or customer-focused business services.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confident communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with business owners and stakeholders.
• Experience managing administrative processes, financial records or compliance requirements.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office 365.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a wider team, using initiative to solve problems and deliver practical solutions.
• An understanding of the challenges faced by high-street businesses and SMEs (desirable).
• A driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel across the borough.

Overview:

Client: Elmbridge Borough Council

Location: High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD, United Kingdom

36 Hours a week

PAYE: £159.25 per day

Minimum 2 days a week in the office & the flexibility to work in the office as required.