Business Adviser (Retail and Hospitality)

Business Advisor (Retail and Hospitality) | 10072 | Fixed Term Contract until 31 March 2027 | 37 hours per week | £39,862 to £41,771 per annum (Scale J) | County Hall, Norwich

Help Norfolk’s high streets and hospitality businesses thrive.

We are looking for a practical, people‑centred Retail & Hospitality Business Advisor to support the delivery of the High Streets & Hospitality Matters programme. You’ll play an important role in helping independent retailers, cafés, pubs, restaurants, visitor‑facing businesses and high street traders across Norfolk strengthen their operations, build resilience and access tailored support.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working directly with businesses, problem‑solving on the ground, and making a visible difference to the health of our high streets and local economy.

About The Role

In this varied advisory role, you will:

• Provide one‑to‑one support to retail and hospitality businesses, helping them identify the most suitable pathway — such as coaching, group training, specialist referral or an action plan — based on their needs.
• Tailor coaching and training content to suit different audiences and business circumstances.

Act as a visible and trusted point of contact, offering practical guidance and helping businesses navigate programme opportunities.

Work closely with the Project Manager and wider team to ensure smooth delivery, joined‑up support and consistent communication.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Communicates clearly and builds rapport quickly with a wide range of businesses.
• Understands the challenges facing high streets, visitor‑facing sectors and small independent businesses.
• Can assess needs, problem‑solve in real time and adapt support to suit different circumstances.
• Has significant experience working with retail and/or hospitality environment, navigating operations, marketing, finances and strategy.
  
  

Experience in retail and hospitality is helpful, but we also welcome applicants who bring practical sector insight and strong interpersonal skills.

To arrange an informal discussion or for further details on the role, please contact Joseph Ballard at joseph.ballard@norfolk.gov.uk

These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:

• Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service

Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.

Financial benefits such as:

‘ Norfolk Rewards’ our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.

A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers

Relocation expenses (where applicable)

An advance of your expenses if you travel for work

Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants’ pensions

Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes

Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)

A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job

We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and

equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.

Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification to help you demonstrate how you meet the criteria. You can also find information on our Terms and Conditions here.

Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for all internal and external vacancies via myOracle using your @norfolk.gov.uk or @nccal.ac.uk email.

We would like to make you aware that priority consideration for this post may be given to current employees who are at risk due to restructure within the organisation or are in a redeployment position.

Redeployment closing date: 13 March 2026 23:59

All other applicants closing date: 22 March 2026 23:59