OR114038 (SJ) – Subject Matter Expert – Regional Growth Plan

Regional Growth Subject Matter Expert

Location: Cardiff Capital Region – Sbarc/Spark, with agile/home working across the region
Hours: 37 hours per week
PAYE hourly rate: £35.90
Contract: Duration depends on requirement

Shape the future of regional economic growth

We are looking for an experienced Regional Growth Subject Matter Expert to play a pivotal role in shaping the economic future of the Cardiff Capital Region.

This is a senior strategic role for someone who understands how to turn economic intelligence, policy, partnerships and investment opportunities into practical programmes that deliver long-term impact.

You will lead the development of a new 10-year Regional Growth Plan, creating the strategic framework that will support sustainable and inclusive economic growth, improve productivity, encourage innovation and create greater prosperity across South East Wales.

Working closely with the Director of Policy, Impact & Partnerships and senior colleagues, you will bring together insight from local and national government, businesses, investors, universities, research organisations and regional partners to develop a compelling and evidence-based vision for the region.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the development of the 10-year Regional Growth Plan, shaping its strategic priorities, themes and interventions.
• Provide high-level economic development, policy and analytical expertise to identify opportunities, challenges and productivity gaps.
• Build and maintain strong strategic partnerships across government, local authorities, business, academia, investors and economic development organisations.
• Engage with businesses, anchor organisations and innovators to identify opportunities around R&D, innovation, commercialisation and economic growth.
• Develop robust, evidence-based business and investment cases, assessing economic value, feasibility, risk and strategic fit.
• Translate complex economic intelligence and data into clear recommendations and actionable strategies.
• Influence senior stakeholders and build consensus across organisations with different priorities and interests.
• Identify opportunities to align future funding and investment with regional priorities.
• Establish effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements to demonstrate economic and innovation impact.
• Provide strategic leadership and contribute to building a culture of analytical rigour, collaboration, creativity and results.

About you

We are looking for a strategic thinker with significant experience in regional economic development, growth strategy, policy, innovation or related fields.

You will bring:

• Proven experience developing or leading regional growth programmes or economic development strategies.
• Strong knowledge of UK and Welsh Government economic development policy frameworks.
• Experience building strategic partnerships across the public, private and education sectors.
• Experience of cluster engagement, innovation, R&D or economic development ecosystems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to interpret complex data and economic intelligence.
• Experience developing business cases, investment cases or evidence-based interventions.
• Strong programme/project management and risk management skills.
• Experience working with contracts, procurement and governance processes.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to operate confidently in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and bring diverse organisations together around a shared vision.

A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience is expected. Qualifications or professional development in areas such as innovation, R&D, public policy, economic development or programme management would be advantageous.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of one of the UK’s most important regional economic development agendas.

You will have genuine influence over the development of a 10-year economic growth vision, working with senior leaders, government, businesses, universities and investors to help shape the future of South East Wales.

If you are an experienced economic development, regional growth, policy or innovation professional who enjoys working at a strategic level and turning ideas into tangible regional outcomes, we would like to hear from you.

Please email your updated CV across to me on [email removed] and I’ll get back in touch ASAP!