Job advert goes live in search for new LLEP Chair

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 26 May 2022

The LLEP is advertising for a new Chair to work alongside senior leaders on creating economic prosperity in Leicester and Leicestershire.

It is recruiting for a successful and respected individual with a significant track record of organisational leadership, entrepreneurship and management. They will act as an ambassador for the region on the local and national stage.

It wants to hear from strategic thinkers with the energy and experience to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth as they meet with senior politicians and local leaders as the Chair of the LLEP Board.

The vacancy comes after Kevin Harris, Leicester managing partner and regional accounting head for RSM UK, stood down from the role in April after four years.

Andy Reed OBE is currently serving as Interim Chair. Mr Reed will return to his role of Deputy Chair once the incoming Chair has been appointed.

The LLEP is one of 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) set up in 2011 to drive local economic growth. LEPs are business-led, working with local authorities, education leaders and other stakeholders, to provide strategic leadership, maximise growth, increase productivity and create jobs.

LEP responsibilities have increased significantly over time and currently include strategy relating to investment in infrastructure, skills and business growth support. Recent projects have included multi-million pound investments at Charnwood Campus, St Margaret’s Bus Station and Space Park Leicester.

The successful candidate for Chair will lead a Board comprising public sector directors from local authority leadership and a host of senior Non-Executive Directors from the private sector.

The Chair will build on the LEP’s reputation as strategic leader in regional economic development, continuing to foster positive relationships with key stakeholders and acting as a high-level advocate with partners at the Midlands Engine and Westminster.

The Chair will also steer the LLEP’s work with local and national Government on the emerging Levelling Up and County Deal agendas. The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper has committed to the role of LEPs as an independent business voice under forthcoming devolution plans.

Mr Reed said:

“This vacancy arrives at a time of change for LEPs which presents a real opportunity to shape our role alongside local and national partners for years to come.

“We expect the LLEP Board to change in coming months as we recruit both the new Chair and new directors to replace those whose current term is coming to an end.

“I’m looking forward to discussing our opportunities and challenges with candidates over the summer as they bring in fresh ideas and new networks which will build upon the progress made by Kevin, the Board and our officers over recent years.”

It is anticipated that the Chair will provide at least four days per month. The role is for a minimum three-year term. The closing date for applications is 1 July 2022, with interviews expected to take place in the week commencing 11 July 2022.

View the Job Description and apply for the role at https://bit.ly/LLEPChair.

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