Business Ecosystems Policy Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) at a pivotal time, helping to shape the future of business support, innovation and economic growth across the region.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Business Ecosystems Policy Manager to join our Economy & Investment team. Reporting to the Head of Business Growth, Innovation and Inward Investment, you will lead the development of business support policies, programmes and investment propositions that strengthen productivity, innovation and inclusive growth across Hull and East Yorkshire.

This part-time role, working three days per week, offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced policy or economic development professional to influence regional growth and help deliver the ambitions of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan.

About the Role

As Business Ecosystems Policy Manager, you will shape and develop an evidence-led business support ecosystem that enables businesses to grow, innovate and compete. You will work closely with businesses, local authorities, universities, government departments and regional partners to design policies and programmes that deliver meaningful economic outcomes.

You will play a leading role in developing strategic policy, identifying investment opportunities and ensuring business support is aligned with wider priorities including skills, infrastructure and innovation.

You will –

• Lead the development of business support policies aligned with the Local Growth Plan and Mayoral priorities.
• Develop investment propositions and funding opportunities that support business growth and innovation.
• Build strong partnerships across government, business, academia and the voluntary sector.
• Translate strategic priorities into practical programmes that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Use economic research, data and business insight to inform policy development and investment decisions.
• Support the development of the Mayor's SME Alliance and contribute to regional business growth initiatives.
• Represent HEYCA in regional and national forums, influencing policy and partnership working.
• Ensure robust governance, evaluation and continuous improvement across business support activity.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while promoting collaboration, equality and innovation.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and analytical professional with experience in business support, economic development or public policy. You will be an excellent communicator who can build trusted relationships and translate complex policy into practical solutions.

You will bring –

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in economics, business, policy or a related discipline.
• Significant experience developing business support policy or economic development programmes.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
• Experience developing funding proposals and investment propositions.
• Strong knowledge of business growth, innovation, productivity and inclusive growth.
• Experience using economic evidence and data to shape policy and decision making.
• Experience managing complex programmes, partnerships and governance arrangements.
• An understanding of national business support policy and the wider economic development landscape.

You will also demonstrate –

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative, proactive and professional approach.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and public service values.
• Resilience, integrity and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why Join HEYCA?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new and ambitious Combined Authority where you can help shape how the Mayor communicates with communities across Hull and East Yorkshire.

At HEYCA, you will have the opportunity to -

• Influence regional policy and economic growth.
• Develop innovative business support programmes that make a real difference.
• Work with senior leaders and influential regional and national partners.
• Help secure investment and funding that benefits businesses and communities.
• Play a key role in creating a stronger, more productive and inclusive regional economy.

How to apply

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a supporting statement to careers@hullandeastyorkshire.gov.uk

Deadline

Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 12pm.