Opportunity
There are two board member positions available; one with a focus on international trade and inward investment strategy, the other with a focus on innovation and net zero efforts. Both positions look to achieve key objectives laid out within Thames Freeport’s full business case. The position with a focus on inward investment would contribute to the strategy associated in attracting investment from international and national suiters ideally from the preferred sectors of Advanced Logistics, Light and Advanced Manufacturing and the Green and Circular economy. The desired investment will contribute towards creating the 21,000 jobs that the Freeport has projected as well as positively impacting UK imports and exports that will boost the UK economy. The position with a focus on innovation and net zero effort would oversee the creation and development of key innovative projects within the freeport, particularly those that seek to achieve its commitment to being net zero by 2040. The position will contribute towards the establishing of the Thames Freeport Innovation Hub as it looks to tackle some the three key innovative projects: Green Mobility, River Freight and building a Smart Freeport. The positions are high profile and transformational roles, offering a rare opportunity to provide strategic direction and alignment with other major economic interventions across the region and crucially integrates with wider commercial, strategic social and environmental aspirations. The delivery of the Thames Freeport will have a transformative impact regionally and contribute significantly to national economic growth.
The key responsibilities of the role:
- Act as an ambassador for the freeport offering expert advice on strategy and process on either International Trade or Inward Investment or Innovation and Net Zero efforts required for achieving Thames Freeport’s objectives.
- Be a strong strategic voice that contributes towards the vision of the Board.
- Be a credible interface between the Board and Freeport stakeholders where necessary.
- Contribute towards ensuring strategic oversight of the delivery of Freeport investment including major economic infrastructure.
- Contribute towards ensuring that the Freeport plays a meaningful role in driving innovation across the Thames Estuary whilst contributing to the transition to net zero.
- Assist in the delivery of strategy for regeneration to maximise social impact supporting the Government’s levelling up agenda as it relates to the Thames Freeport economic geography.
- Advising strategic oversight of business cases supporting project spend, and ensuring adherence to policy objectives and governance.
There will be a requirement to attend Board meetings as well as either Trade and Inward Investment or Innovation and Net Zero subcommittee meetings and will forge positive relationships across the range of stakeholders involved both directly with the Freeport and across the wider communities.
Commitments
The time commitment for this role is expected to be 2 or 3 days per month with meetings in London, Thurrock, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering. The remuneration for each role has been set at £13,000 per annum and all expenses will be reimbursed.
The Individual
The successful candidate for this role will hold a well-developed and established advisory profile and be able to articulate and implement a strategic vision operating within complex multi-organisational governance structures. They will be a clear, have experience working collaboratively with the personal authority and influencing skills to champion and to represent the ambitions of the Board with the credibility to work across the public and private sectors and wider stakeholders.
Essential Criteria
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus amongst a diverse Board and stakeholder group;
- Extensive experience working in either International Trade and Inward Investment strategy or Innovation and Net Zero efforts ideally associated with on-land and maritime transportation.
- Ability to think clearly, analytically and grasp complex issues;
- A strong networker with connections across a range of public and private sector organisations in the UK with excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation and influencing skills;
- Politically astute with familiarity of UK public sector bodies and local government structure across the Thames corridor;
- Ability to operate with integrity and objectivity;
- Excellent track record of fostering successful collaborative working and developing strong relationships with government bodies, the private sector and a varied range of other stakeholders to achieve results.
How to Apply
Please email your application to careers@thamesfreeport.com
Applications should include the following:
- A supporting letter, evidencing (by factual information and concrete examples with references) the knowledge, experience and competencies required to meet the criteria listed in ‘The Individual’ section of this document.
- A CV giving your education and professional qualifications and a career history, paid or unpaid and any relevant achievements (maximum 3 sides of A4).
You should also set out your reasons for wishing to be considered for this appointment. Your application should make clear the level and depth of your leadership expertise and any other experience which demonstrates your knowledge and interests relevant to this post.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 6 January 2023.
Candidate Assessment
Candidates will be evaluated on the extent to which they meet the competencies and experience set out above. Candidates will be evaluated on merit at all stages. Thames Freeport is an inclusive and diverse partnership and welcomes all applications.