Business Development Officer (J19204) Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland
Salary: GBP21.65 - GBP21.65 per hour
A large public sector organisation requires a Business Development Officer based in Mossley Mill.
Role: Business Development Officer
Rate of Pay: £21.65ph
Location: Mossley Mill
Hours: 37 hours
Duration: 3-6 Months with possible extension
Closing Date: 18th May 2026
The Business Development Officer - Skills is an exciting new post within the Economic Development section to work with local employers and potential investors to address their skills and future workforce needs. The post is funded by the Department for Communities and the post holder will be required to work in tandem with the central government departments, local education providers, businesses, social enterprises and other stakeholders with an interest in the development of skills and employability to meet future needs.
* Lead, plan and deliver an agreed programme of future interventions in the local labour market through a co-ordinated, partnership approach working with a wide range of interested stakeholders.
* Facilitate the creation of a Labour Market Partnership and develop an associated Action Plan and Governance Structures through consultation and engagement with stakeholder agencies to maximise the draw-down of funds from Central Government.
* To co-ordinate the Labour Market Partnership and its work plan, undertaking third party contract management duties and assessing the impact of interventions using Outcomes Based Accountability methodology.
* Assist the Economic Development Manager in the preparation of 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 including joint / partnership initiatives.
* Development of new programme operating materials and agreements including guidance notes, eligibility criteria and vouching systems.
* Developing relevant content for innovative events and workshops and providing oversight for the successful delivery of such business development events and consultations to meet funding targets.
* Engage with businesses availing of business support programmes, and the delivery agents and engage with the lead officers to identify skills gaps and upskilling opportunities within local businesses.
* Manage section staff, as required, through the Council’s performance management process to ensure the efficient, effective and safe provision of service excellence to customers.
* Contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and updating of annual business plans for the Economic Development Section.
* Support the Economic Development Manager in the roll-out of marketing campaigns aligned to key programmes and agreeing such campaigns with stakeholder organisations and funders.
* Identify and seek out appropriate opportunities for external grant assistance for programme participants and the Council in pursuit of the Council’s economic development objectives.
* To deputise for the Economic Development Manager and represent the Council at related partnership meetings including Belfast Region City Deal Task Groups.
* To comply with operating procedures and financial control systems in accordance with external funding requirements (i.e. The Department for Communities), Council financial regulations and processing all relevant documentation and conditions required by grant awarding bodies.
* Manage the delivery of internal and external funding in support of the Council’s local economic development by developing project solutions, formulating terms of reference, adhering to established procurement procedures, administering letters of offer, liaising with project promoters, following appropriate project management practices, operating funders’ electronic databases, conducting verification visits, and completing monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure full compliance with all recommendations, guidelines and requirements set by funding bodies.
* Degree or equivalent qualification OR Possess at least 4 years’ experience as outlined below:
* Possess at least 2 years’ experience in a wide range of economic development activities.
* Experience of developing/delivering skills and/or employability initiative.
Key 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.
* Displays a positive attitude including a solution based, flexible and enthusiastic approach.
* Maintain a high standard of quality and accuracy.
* Creative and innovative to deliver service improvements.
Special Knowledge:
* Knowledge of EU and other funding programmes and how applications and claims are prepared and processed.
* A good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
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