Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people.
Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making.
At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first.
Job details
Join us as our Economic Development Lead for Defence and Growth Initiatives!
Are you ready to lead transformative initiatives that shape the economic landscape of Huntingdonshire and make a lasting impact on our community? We are seeking an Economic Development - Defence and Growth Lead to drive our ambitions in the defence sector and the North Hunts Growth Cluster.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our district council at a crucial time as we focus on fostering economic growth and innovation.
About the role
As the Economic Development - Defence and Growth Lead, you will spearhead initiatives that enhance our region's economic landscape, with a particular focus on the defence sector and the North Hunts Growth Cluster.
This pivotal role involves developing and executing strategies that drive investment, support local businesses, and position Huntingdonshire as a leader in economic growth and innovation. You will collaborate closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local businesses, government entities, and community organisations, to promote economic development and foster an inclusive economy.
Your ability to forge strong partnerships and your expertise in navigating the complexities of economic initiatives will be essential as you represent the council and advocate for our community’s growth. You will be essential in promoting and highlighting the important role of Huntingdonshire in supporting the national interest, emphasising the importance of defence, and the rapid innovation and development taking place within the sector and its links to wider uses and sectors.
The role is integral to improving the profile and understanding of the current role of Huntingdonshire in relation to defence; clear articulation of future possibilities; showing we can be a ‘location of choice’ for inward investment for the defence sector and complementary businesses; and identifying and delivering a pipeline of investment opportunities/sites.
About you
We are looking for a proactive and innovative thinker who thrives in an ambitious environment. You should have a strong understanding of economic growth issues, particularly in sectors related to defence and advanced manufacturing, along with substantial leadership experience across complex portfolios.
Your exceptional communication skills will enable you to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, and your ability to navigate political landscapes will be invaluable as you advise senior stakeholders. If you are passionate about driving economic vitality and are ready to make a meaningful impact in Huntingdonshire, we want to hear from you.
Join us in this exciting opportunity to lead and inspire as we work together to achieve our ambitions.
If you’re ready to inspire, collaborate, and drive growth, we want to hear from you!
An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a Sponsorship Licence and is unable to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or take over sponsorship for any role.
View the job description [PDF, 0.2MB].
Apply
The closing date is 9am 5 January 2026 and interviews will be held the week commencing 13 January 2026.
However, this is a rolling campaign and we'll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will close the advert early should we receive suitable applications, so please don't delay in applying!
For many of our roles, our hybrid work model enables employees to work remotely while allowing for in-office collaboration opportunities across the district, with an expectation of being in the office at least two days a week. However, please note that some positions may require a more consistent presence in the office due to the nature of the work.
Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.
Please note that the official closing date is as above, and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying.
Working for the council
As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.
View our benefits.