Business Information Officer - Local Authority - Retail and Hospitality

Summary: The Business Information Officer role involves providing direct support to independent retail and hospitality businesses in Sheffield. The position requires professionals with experience in retail, hospitality, or finance to assist local businesses in managing their operations and enhancing customer engagement. The role includes building relationships with business owners and collaborating with local authorities to foster community ties and support economic growth. This is a consultancy position with flexible working days, approximately 12 days per month.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build rapport with local business owners, offering door-to-door support across assigned patches.
• Assist businesses in understanding and managing their energy bills and lease agreements.
• Provide guidance on business viability, survival, recovery strategies, cash flow management, e-commerce, and customer engagement.
• Offer support in using social media to boost footfall and attract new customers.
• Help businesses looking to expand into the city centre and other local high streets.
• Serve as a liaison with Council services such as Planning, Parking, Licensing, Business Rates, Waste, and Environmental Health.
• Collaborate with faith leaders and local community organisations to foster community ties.
• Act as a key resource for the Council, providing insights that help shape key messages and strategies for supporting local businesses.
• Conduct and record workshops aimed at supporting independent high street businesses.
• Ensure meticulous data input for all interactions as part of the funding and reporting requirements.

Key Skills:

• Proven experience in retail, hospitality, or a financial role with direct business support responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of business regulations applicable to high street independents.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: retail management, hospitality, finance, or cash flow forecasting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop trust and rapport with business owners.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Salary (Rate): 350

City: Sheffield

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: Mid-Level

Industry: Other