Senior Leadership

Description:

Freeport East Ltd – one of the 12 designated Freeports in the UK – is seeking an experienced and visionary Head of International Partnerships to lead its international engagement strategy. With over £250 million in private sector investment already secured within just two years of operation, Freeport East continues to strengthen its position as a major economic hub in the east of England. This role is pivotal to enhancing international relationships, supporting export and inward investment efforts, and aligning with UK Government priorities on global trade and economic policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of international partnership strategies that align with Freeport East’s long-term economic growth objectives.

• Deepen and expand existing overseas engagement plans, promoting inward investment, export opportunities, and institutional collaborations.

• Coordinate visibility efforts across key overseas markets by leveraging board members, stakeholders, and senior leadership involvement.

• Strengthen domestic stakeholder relationships (e.g., Local Authorities, universities, Embassies/Consulates, business groups) to support international objectives.

• Optimize existing public-private partnerships and innovation initiatives in sectors such as green energy, positioning Freeport East globally.

• Collaborate with UK Government departments to align international policy efforts and attract new partnerships.

• Work with Communications & Marketing teams to elevate Freeport East’s profile internationally through strategic media and outreach campaigns.

• Innovate new international engagement models through proactive outreach and networking.

• Lead funding proposals to support global engagement strategies.

• Ensure local business and community impact remains at the core of international initiatives.

Organizational Leadership:

• Act as a deputy to the Chief Executive when required.

• Support governance structures, board operations, and internal coordination.

• Contribute to a collaborative and high-performance culture, ensuring effective communication, compliance, and value-for-money operations.

• Take a proactive, flexible, and creative approach to work, with a commitment to public service, economic growth, and innovation.

Travel Requirements:
Willingness to travel frequently within the UK (especially East of England and London) and occasionally overseas to maintain face-to-face engagement with international partners.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.

• Proven international operational experience or building public/private sector partnerships.

• Experience in investment promotion, economic development, or inward investment work.

• Strong ability to engage confidently at senior levels across business, government, and academic stakeholders.

• Skilled in strategic development, project planning, and complex communication.

• High professionalism, teamwork, adaptability, and IT proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite).

Desirable:

• Knowledge of UK Government freeport-related policies.

• Sector-specific experience (green energy, logistics, ports, agriculture, trade, tech, etc.).

• Public-private interface experience, particularly in regulatory, R&D, or investment frameworks.

• Experience in stakeholder engagement with business leaders or public officials.

• Availability to attend the Harwich office periodically as needed.

Work Arrangements:
Flexible working options considered, including part-time, job-share, secondments, or adjusted hours. Regular in-person interaction at Harwich HQ is encouraged but negotiable for the right candidate.