Business Development Officer – Skills

Location: Antrim
Salary: £21.65 per hour
Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Duration: Temporary contract (3–6 months with possible extension)
Start Date: ASAP

Application Deadline: 5pm Thursday 18th June

About the Role

On behalf of our client, we are delighted to be recruiting for a Business Development Officer – Skills

This is an exciting opportunity to work with local employers and potential investors to address skills and future workforce needs. The post holder will work with central government departments, local education providers, businesses, social enterprises and other stakeholders with an interest in the development of skills and employability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, plan and deliver an agreed programme of future interventions in the local labour market through a coordinated partnership approach
• Facilitate the creation of a Local Labour Market Partnership and develop an associated Action Plan and Governance Structures
• Coordinate the Labour Market Partnership and its work plan, including third-party contract management duties and assessing the impact of interventions using Outcomes Based Accountability methodology
• Assist the Economic Development Manager in preparing accurate and timely reports for Labour Market Partnership, Committee and Council meetings
• Undertake direct engagement with businesses to identify and provide support with project identification, development and funding opportunities
• Develop programme operating materials and agreements including guidance notes, eligibility criteria and vouching systems
• Develop content for events and workshops and provide oversight for delivery of business development events and consultations
• Engage with businesses accessing business support programmes and delivery agents to identify skills gaps and upskilling opportunities
• Manage section staff as required through the Council’s performance management process
• Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and updating of annual business plans
• Support the Economic Development Manager with marketing campaigns aligned to key programmes
• Identify and seek appropriate opportunities for external grant assistance
• Deputise for the Economic Development Manager and represent the Council at relevant partnership meetings including Belfast Region City Deal Task Groups
• Comply with operating procedures and financial control systems relating to external funding requirements, Council financial regulations and grant conditions
• Manage internal and external funding support by developing project solutions, preparing terms of reference, following procurement procedures, administering letters of offer, liaising with project promoters and completing monitoring and evaluation processes
• Establish and maintain networks with Council officers, statutory and non-statutory agencies, other local authorities, private sector, education providers and media
• Prepare briefs for consultants and external delivery agents, manage assignments and ensure implementation of recommendations and action plans
• Carry out research for economic development activities to inform objectives
• Contribute to Council policy development on economic development matters
• Contribute to Corporate Plan, Community Plan and Local Development Plan activities
• Advise the Economic Development Manager on responsibilities relating to the post
• Be available to work outside normal office hours when required

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification
  OR
• At least 4 years’ relevant experience as outlined below

Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience in a wide range of economic development activities
• Experience of developing and delivering skills and/or employability initiatives

Skills & Abilities

• Good planning and project management skills
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work on own initiative and prioritise workload to meet strict deadlines
• Positive attitude including a solution-based, flexible and enthusiastic approach
• Ability to maintain a high standard of quality and accuracy
• Creative and innovative approach to delivering service improvements

Knowledge

• Knowledge of EU and other funding programmes and how applications and claims are prepared and processed
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel

Apply Now

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft Word format to Julie at julie.skelly@applerecruitment.com

Applicants should ensure their CV is accurate and up to date, including full employment history, licences, and qualifications.

Only applicants meeting the essential criteria will be considered.

Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.