Job Introduction<p><strong>Business and Employment Advisor</strong></p><p><strong>Fixed term to August 2028</strong></p><p><br></p><p>We are looking for a proactive, relationship-focused and customer-centred Business and Employment Advisor to join our Business Northumberland team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with employers and residents, helping businesses meet their recruitment and workforce development needs while supporting local people into sustainable employment. </p><p><br></p><p>As part of the workforce development programme, you will join a collaborative and ambitious team delivering a locally focused talent pipeline aligned to the workforce needs of the QTS Data Centre development, connecting residents to real employment opportunities while supporting workforce planning, candidate readiness and long-term talent sustainability. You'll play an important role in supporting inclusive economic growth, reducing barriers to employment and creating opportunities that benefit people, businesses and communities in Northumberland. </p><p><br></p><p>You will build and maintain strong relationships with employers across the supply chain, identifying recruitment, workforce and skills needs, securing vacancies and developing practical solutions to workforce challenges. Working closely with colleagues, training providers and partners, you will create pathways into employment, apprenticeships, training and career progression, matching residents to suitable opportunities and providing the support needed to achieve sustainable employment outcomes. The role also involves collaborating with partners across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors, promoting available support programmes, maintaining accurate records and monitoring performance to ensure successful delivery of programme objectives. </p><p><br></p><p>We're seeking someone who is passionate about helping businesses and people succeed. You will be a confident communicator with excellent relationship-building skills, able to engage effectively with employers and understand their workforce challenges. You'll be organised, adaptable and solutions-focused, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and supporting people to overcome barriers to employment. Most importantly, you'll enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve positive outcomes for residents, businesses and communities. </p><p><br></p><p>Requiring a blend of office, outreach and home working this role is based at County Hall and will involve regular site working at QTS Data Centre, Cambois in addition to community locations across Northumberland. Use of your own transport and travel throughout the county will be required. </p><p><br></p><p>Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work. </p><p>For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Vicki Clarke, Senior Economic Development Officer (<a href="mailto:victoria.clarke@northumberland.gov.uk" target="_blank">victoria.clarke@northumberland.gov.uk</a>)</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Why choose us? </strong></p><p>We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including: </p><ul><li>26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees) </li><li>Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme </li><li>Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees) </li></ul><p>To see all our excellent benefits and perks and to learn more about working for us, please click here. </p><p><br></p><p>Stay connected with us on social media to keep up to date with Northumberland County Council’s latest job opportunities. </p><p>Facebook: NCC Jobs Group </p><p>LinkedIn: Northumberland County Council Jobs</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Further information </strong></p><p>For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes. </p><p> We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post. </p><p>Alternative application format: </p><p>British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net </p><p>For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930 </p>