Deputy Director Northern England
JOB_53512994734987Job type
PermanentLocation
Darlington, SalfordWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
ExecutiveIndustry
Government & Public ServicesPay
£81,000-£117,800Closing date
10 Nov 2025
Deputy Director - Northern England Region | Department for Business and Trade
This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade. We have a clear mission - to grow the economy. Our role is to help businesses invest, grow and export to create jobs and opportunities right across the country. We are here to promote economic growth across UK nations and regions by supporting local and international business.
We do this in partnership with DBT colleagues providing individual support services and in close collaboration with devolved and regional government partners. We have 6 place-based teams covering Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, North England, Midlands and South England; a team supporting our overseas network of c.1500 people across the globe; and policy & analytical colleagues.
We do this in partnership with DBT colleagues providing individual support services and in close collaboration with devolved and regional government partners. We have 6 place-based teams covering Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, North England, Midlands and South England; a team supporting our overseas network of c.1500 people across the globe; and policy & analytical colleagues.
Our key delivery goals are to:
- Provide local policy insight to inform and influence government policy and action in support of growth
- Help local businesses by encouraging exports, facilitating inward investment and supporting domestic growth opportunities
- Collaborate with local growth partners – especially Devolved Governments, Mayoral Strategic Authorities and overseas teams
- Support delivery and integration of DBT’s international network
We are about 90 people spread around UK. We seek to be a great place to work – high-performing, well-motivated and inclusive. We enjoy being outward-facing with business and devolved governments & authorities, collaborating closely with colleagues in UK and abroad, being expert in our areas and getting things done.
Candidate Information Call
The hiring manager for this position; Chris Barton, will be hosting a virtual call for any interested applicants to discuss the role and answer any questions. Please note this is not part of the formal assessment process.
This will be held via Microsoft Teams on Monday 3rd November 2025 at 15:00 (UK time).
Please ask the Hays team for the link to attend.
Job description
Key Responsibilities: Deputy Director, Northern England
- Lead the DBT North England team ensuring it has clear direction, effective delivery and high morale.
- Provide relevant insight to DBT colleagues on the North of England’s business environment and key opportunities and threats to sustainable growth within it, and use this to influence HMG, regional and local government policy in support of local growth.
- Promote local business growth opportunities relating to North of England exports, investment and domestic initiatives, both through direct links with key businesses in the locality and public advocacy to the wider business community on HMG policies and business support services.
- Build strong relations with the Mayoral Strategic Authorities in the region and other local growth partners, cooperating impactfully to deliver key growth opportunities and facilitating effective local engagement by DBT and OGD ministers and colleagues in the locality.
- Connect with DBT’s international network to ensure integration of DBT’s overall support for North of England exports and inward investment and enhance delivery of it.
- Be a strong corporate player, working closely and collaboratively with colleagues across LIG, wider DIME Group and DBT to ensure we deliver effectively and promote a positive and inclusive work environment.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Proven commitment to support, encourage and develop team members.
- Strong analytical and policy skills to understand drivers of local growth and develop and shape policies and practices to encourage them.
- Sound judgement and political acumen to navigate complex and evolving landscapes.
- Outstanding communication skills to explain and promote our work with credibility and impact both orally and in writing, for internal and external audiences.
- A collaborative mindset and ability to build effective partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
- Drive and initiative to deliver results at pace and overcome challenges.
How to apply
Hays, an Executive Search firm, have been appointed to assist with this recruitment campaign. To apply for this post, you will need to submit documentation below via the following link, by no later than 23:55 on Monday 10th November 2025.
Deputy Director Northern EnglandJOB_535129947349872025-10-212025-11-10
Talk to Andrew Timlin, the specialist consultant managing this position
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JOB_53512994734987