Watford Clarendon BID launched in April 2026 as a brand new Business Improvement District representing one of Hertfordshire’s most important commercial and office locations.
Home to major corporate organisations, professional services firms, growing businesses, hospitality venues and Watford Junction Station, the district plays a vital role in the town’s economy and daily business life.
We are looking for an ambitious, people-focused and highly organised professional to join our small team at an exciting stage of the BID’s development.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape a new business community from the ground up — working directly with senior leaders, office managers, independent businesses, public sector partners and major stakeholders to deliver projects, partnerships and initiatives that make a real impact.
No two days will look the same. One day you may be meeting with corporate office leaders, the next helping deliver business events, developing wellbeing initiatives, supporting local partnerships or contributing to strategic BID projects.
We’re looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, communicating with confidence and being part of a collaborative team that works closely with businesses and decision makers across Watford.
Role Title: Business Engagement & Partnerships Manager
Salary: £31,000 – £33,000
Service Area: Business Improvement District Industry
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term contract to 31 March 2031
Reporting to: CEO
Who This Role Would Suit:
This role would suit someone who:
- Enjoys working with people and building professional relationships.
- Is confident communicating with businesses and stakeholders at all levels.
- Thrives in a varied role with both strategic and hands on responsibilities.
- Enjoys working in a small, collaborative and fast moving team.
- Has experience in stakeholder engagement, partnerships, budget management, business support, placemaking, events or economic development.
Key Responsibilities:
Business Engagement and Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with all levy paying businesses across the Clarendon BID area.
- Engage effectively with a diverse business community including independent businesses, SMEs, corporate offices and major employers.
- Build relationships with senior leadership teams and office managers within large organisations.
- Conduct regular business meetings and maintain up-to-date knowledge of business activity within the district.
Business Support and Business Plan Delivery
- Identify and deliver initiatives that support businesses operating within a major office-based commercial district.
- Develop programmes that enhance the experience of employees working within the Clarendon area.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration between businesses, property owners and partners.
- Coordinate initiatives relating to business wellbeing, sustainability, networking, training and economic growth.
- Support retail and hospitality businesses located on Station Road and surrounding areas.
- Ensure BID initiatives deliver measurable value to levy payers.
- Assist with the coordination and management of the BID Governance Committee.
- Prepare reports, updates and performance summaries for the BID Board.
Stakeholder and Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with partners including Watford Borough Council, transport organisations, property owners and local stakeholders.
- Support initiatives that improve the business environment along Clarendon Road and surrounding areas.
- Contribute to projects that improve connectivity with Watford Junction Station and the wider town centre.
Events, Networking and Communications
- Support the development and delivery of business networking opportunities and corporate engagement events.
- Coordinate initiatives that encourage collaboration across the Clarendon business community.
- Assist with communications to levy paying businesses including newsletters, updates and consultations.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience working in a business facing role, economic development environment or Business Improvement District.
- Ability to communicate confidently with both small independent businesses and senior leadership teams within large organisations.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience delivering business support initiatives, programmes or projects.
- Understanding of the needs and priorities of office-based business districts.
- Experience supporting governance structures such as boards or committees.
- Ability to prepare clear, professional reports and briefing documents.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Key Relationships
- Watford BID Ltd Board of Directors
- Watford Clarendon Governance Committee
- Levy paying businesses across Clarendon Road and Station Road
- Major corporate employees and office managers
- Watford Borough Council and local partners
- Property owners and managing agents
- Transport partners including Watford Junction Station stakeholders
How to Apply:
To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit for this role to Kara Mesiano, CEO: kara@watfordtowncentre.com by Friday 19th June 2026. We look forward to hearing from you.