Place Development Officer

The Place Development Officer is a crucial operational role within the Programme and Place team at Barnsley Council.

You will be part of  a team that is responsible for the place management of urban centres within the borough, leading on business engagement and local growth initiatives within the town centre and high streets in the Principal Towns.

In addition, you will support the management of traditional and specialist markets in the Principal Towns, promotional events and commercial activity in Barnsley Town Centre and Principal Towns, and borough-wide street trading.

This role will work closely with independent high street businesses and support them to start, grow, and establish their businesses in urban centres across the borough, contributing to the vitality and vibrancy of Barnsley Town Centre and the high streets in the Principal Towns. 

• You will engage with businesses in Barnsley town centre and high streets in the Principal Towns, develop a robust local intelligence, manage an accurate database of contacts, and share information in several formats (e.g. newsletter).  
• You will contribute to the place management of the town centre and high streets in the Principal Towns by running business meetings, where interested parties can attend to find out more about the Council’s projects, network, and share news and challenges.
• You will work with high street businesses in the Principal Towns to support them to form representative groups, such as a market traders association, or high street community interest group. Act as a liaison and support the facilitation of promotional activity.
• You will contribute to effective place governance in the evening and night time economy by coordinating the Purple Flag initiative for Barnsley Town centre, ensuring that standards are maintained, and accreditation is secured.
• You will deliver economic growth initiatives, such as Barnsley Gift Card, across the borough’s urban centres, ensuring that high street businesses participate and maximise benefits, such as through income generation or increased awareness. 
• You will contribute to monitoring place performance by undertaking annual assessments of the urban centres, enabling greater understanding of resident, visitor, and business needs, consumer spend, and opportunities for improvement.
• You will work closely with the Place Making Team Leader to provide opportunities for high street businesses to diversify and expand through traditional and specialist markets and street trading sites across the borough.
• You will support business development projects, such as the Barnsley Space Agency, working with the Place Development Manager to establish the Barnsley Property Forum, and businesses to take advantage of the agency to grow and expand.

 

What we Offer: 

• A supportive and inclusive work culture where your contributions are valued, and your ideas are heard. 
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement, with access to training programs and mentorship initiatives. 
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and weekend-working enhancements. 

 

Requirements: 

• Exceptional organisational abilities and attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including independent businesses and community groups.
• A proactive work ethic and positive mindset with a passion for driving positive change within the town centre and high streets in the Principal Towns.

Contact Chris Savage on chrissavage@barnsley.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion and apply online.