Business Support Executive

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary:£34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours:37 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term or secondment to 31/3/2026 (funding)

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Suffolk County Council. We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Business Support Executive to identify high-growth businesses with an aspiration to grow while also supporting events and communications for the team to help us provide a dedicated high growth triage support to Suffolk businesses.  The prime focus of this job is to undertake an initial triage to identify high growth clients for the High Growth Adviser to take on or broker to other support if they are not suitable for the program.

If you’re passionate about finding new solutions and making a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Your role and responsibilities 

You’ll be the first point of contact for ambitious Suffolk businesses looking to grow. Each day, you’ll speak with business owners, understand their needs, and help guide them to the right support—whether that’s through our High Growth Adviser or other services. You’ll work closely with colleagues, coordinate events, and help shape the future of business support in the region.

• Help identify high-growth firms and shape programme targets
• Respond promptly and professionally to business enquiries; manage inbox and track responses
• Virtual client meetings to assess needs and confirm support eligibility
• Apply a standardised triage and referral model for consistent service delivery
• Work with the High Growth Adviser to identify and support high-potential businesses
• Organise workshops, seminars, and events to deliver programme objectives
• Maintain accurate CRM records of client interactions and referrals
• Promote the High Growth Programme via social media, newsletters, and events
• Work with other teams to capture business case studies 
• Adhere to Suffolk County Council’s quality and financial procedures.

You will need 

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about supporting Suffolk’s businesses with an ambition to grow. If you enjoy working with businesses, spotting opportunities, and offering client centric support that makes a real difference, this could be the role for you.

Our ideal candidate:

• can confidently assess business needs and help identify the right solutions
• is comfortable triaging enquiries, asking the right questions, and guiding businesses to the most suitable help across a range of sectors and sizes
• understands the challenges small businesses face and can offer clear, tailored advice that builds trust and confidence.

We hope you’ll bring:

• strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to explain things clearly to different audiences
• excellent coordination and planning skills to support one to many delivery 
• the ability to support the promotion of the service you are delivering 
• a good understanding of business functions and business stages 
• the ability to work consistently to standard approaches 
• experience working with external partners like Growth Hubs, enterprise agencies or chambers of commerce as well as the wider support landscape 
• the ability to manage your own workload, stay organised, and meet deadlines.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word).If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team 

This role comes under the Suffolk Economy Team, part of the Growth, Highways, and Infrastructure Directorate, is focused on delivering long-term, sustainable economic growth across Suffolk. 

You’ll be joining a dynamic and forward-thinking team dedicated to supporting high-growth businesses with ambitions to grow in Suffolk.

Our approach is delivered through North Star – a productised, standardised model of support designed to ensure consistency and impact.

We’re passionate about learning, improving, and innovating. 

We’re not afraid to challenge convention if it means delivering better outcomes for the businesses we support. 

Collaboration is at the heart of how we work – both within our team and across internal departments.

From day one, your contributions will be valued and supported. Like the rest of the team, you’ll be encouraged to continuously develop, adapt, and innovate in your role.

Working alongside the High Growth Adviser, you’ll help businesses in a way that’s tailored to their unique needs. This client-centric role is enriching, varied, and deeply rewarding.

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

 For more information 

Please contact Robert Turnbull for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07467 148472 or emailing [email protected]

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application. 

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. Can you talk through an example’ when you had to assess a client’s needs quickly and accurately? How did you ensure you identified the right support and actions for them?

2. Can you provide an example of when you facilitated a group session or event for business owners or entrepreneurs? How did you manage this and client engagement?

3. Can you provide an example of how you have used digital tools or platforms to enhance communication and engagement in your work? How did you work with other teams to support this

4. Can you talk through an example of where you've used established procedures to help businesses? What difference did it make for the businesses you supported, and how did it help you and your organisation

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing[email protected]or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.