This post is a co-funded job opportunity, between the University of Essex and Essex County Council – under their new Ambitious Essex brand. The role is based in the Research & Enterprise Office (REO) at the University of Essex and will play a key role providing a regional focus to businesses seeking angel investment.

This is the new business-facing front door for strategic investment, enterprise growth, and economic opportunity in Essex. It will:
• Act as the growth and investment arm of Essex County Council ( and potentially the future Greater Essex Mayoral Combined Authority)—driving economic development across the region.
• Support business success and sector growth by connecting startups and scaleups with the right opportunities, promoting trade, and attracting strategic investment.
• Promote Essex globally as a prime location to visit, work, invest, and innovate—offering joined-up business services across investment, innovation, skills, growth, and sustainability.

Duties of the role

This is an exciting three-year fixed term role which will increase regional business creation and access to investment. This will be achieved through increased and innovative university-business collaborations facilitated by the University of Essex, while working alongside the Economic Development Team at Essex County Council.

This role will connect regional entrepreneurs, and local/nationwide investors, to increase investment and fundraising into innovative and fast-growing businesses in Essex. It will also integrate the University into local start-up and scale-up ecosystems, designed to generate closer university-industry links.

The post-holder will work as part of the Essex Startups Team and work closely with the Business Engagement team (Business Development Managers), Knowledge Exchange Team, Communications and External Relations Team, Philanthropy, and others, and report quarterly progress to a board including both University of Essex and Essex County Council staff members.

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the jobpack.

This post is fixed-term for 3 years due to a temporary funding source.

For further information and to apply please click here.