Business Pillar Lead

Business Pillar Lead Shaping Portsmouth Location: Portsmouth Guildhall, with hybrid working Salary: £27,875 FTE, pro rata Hours: 20–25 hours per week Contract: Permanent, part-time Start date: October 2026 Closing date: Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 5pm Interview date: Friday 18 September 2026 Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, so the vacancy may close early. The role Shaping Portsmouth is looking for a proactive and relationship-focused Business Pillar Lead to support businesses across the city. You will manage four key programmes: Portsmouth Business Support Service Greener Portsmouth Partnership Business Digital Resilience Workplace Wellbeing The role is ideal for someone with experience in business engagement, partnerships, programme delivery, stakeholder management or economic development. You do not need to be an expert in every programme area. You do need to be confident building relationships, understanding business needs and bringing the right people together. Key responsibilities Manage and develop Business Pillar programmes. Build relationships with local businesses and partners. Coordinate workshops, events, mentoring and campaigns. Identify business needs and turn them into practical activity. Increase programme participation, reach and impact. Gather feedback and monitor outcomes. Represent Shaping Portsmouth at meetings and networking events. Support communications, case studies and partnership opportunities. About you You will have: Experience building professional relationships with businesses or stakeholders. Experience delivering projects, programmes, events or business-facing activity. Strong communication and organisational skills. Confidence managing multiple priorities. A proactive and self-motivated approach. The ability to work independently and collaboratively. An interest in Portsmouth and its business community. Experience in business support, economic development, membership organisations, non-profits or partnership-led environments would be beneficial. We welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills, even if you do not meet every desirable requirement. Working pattern This is a flexible, part-time role working 20–25 hours per week across Monday to Friday. The role includes office, home and external working. The team works together in the Portsmouth Guildhall office on Mondays. Some early morning, evening or weekend work may be required for events. Benefits Flexible and hybrid working Four weeks’ holiday, pro rata Christmas office closure Birthday leave NEST pension Training and development Enhanced family-friendly policies Work phone and laptop Invitations to business and partner events Equality and inclusion Shaping Portsmouth is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. A guaranteed interview is available to candidates who meet the essential criteria and identify as disabled, a care leaver, someone with experience of foster care or an armed forces veteran