Digital Innovation officer in Newtownabbey

The Digital Innovation Officer is an exciting post within the Economic Development section, which will drive forward the digital agenda for growth; assisting businesses and social enterprises to accelerate their digital journeys, securing new opportunities for digital technology to support economic growth and support our residents to access the opportunities available through this growth sector.

The Digital Innovation Officer will be expected to lead and support the implementation of key strategic projects such as the Digital Surge Programme, the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund, the Digital Venture Capital Fund and other Council led activity supported through the Digital Pillar of the Belfast Region City Deal and other strategic funds. The post holder will also be responsible for the development and implementation of Council-specific programmes such as Digital adaptation grants and Digital Skills development.

The role will require the post holder to engage directly with central government departments, businesses, social enterprises, education providers including schools and colleges, and our residents to identify and provide the support needed to accelerate their Digital Transformation. The post holder will also be required to create and maintain linkages with the Belfast Region City Deal and other strategic policies to ensure alignment, in particular, with the Digital and Innovation pillar and its associated projects.

This role will support the Economic Development Manager by contributing to the project development process, researching, securing and managing external funding opportunities and working co-operatively with partners internally and externally including other Councils, training organisations, local businesses and statutory and voluntary agencies. The post holder will also support the development of digital infrastructure within the Borough including Broadband and Smart Districts at key locations.

Responsibilities:

• To support the project management of the Northern Ireland Digital Transformation Project (DTP) ‘Digital Surge’ and to deliver a high quality, relevant and targeted business initiative across Northern Ireland.
• To lead the design, implementation and project management of Digital Advancement initiatives across the Council area which will benefit our citizens, key organisations such as schools and colleges and our businesses by developing and enhancing their digital capabilities.
• Undertake direct engagement with businesses to identify and support them with project identification, development and funding opportunities including joint/ partnership initiatives.
• To lead the design, implementation and management of a range of new digital support initiatives across the Council area.
• To support the Economic Development team and wider Council on strategic projects including digital infrastructure and Smart Districts.
• Manage section staff, as required, through the Council’s performance management process to ensure the efficient and effective provision of service excellence to customers.
• Develop relevant content for innovative events and workshops and provide oversight for the successful delivery of such business development events and consultations to meet funding targets.
• 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 agree 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 or Head of Service and represent the Council at related partnership meetings including Invest NI’s Maker Panel and Belfast Region City Deal Task Groups.
• To comply with operating procedures and financial control systems in accordance with external funding requirements, 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 ambitions 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.
• Assist the Economic Development Manager in the preparation of accurate and timely reports for Committee and Council meetings.
• Establish and maintain a network of contacts concerning Economic Development matters, including Council officers, statutory and non-statutory agencies, other local authorities, the private sector, educational establishments and the media ensuring good working relationships and ensuring the Borough gets the maximum benefit from initiatives and programmes.
• Prepare briefs, as required, for the appointment of consultants and other external delivery agents, manage their assignments and ensure the effective implementation of agreed recommendations and action plans.
• Pro-actively plan and carry out relevant research for Economic Development activities to inform section, business and corporate objectives.
• Contribute to the development of Council’s policy on Economic Development, keeping new legislation, regulations and policy developments under review and advising the Business Development Manager on such matters as required.
• Contribute to Departmental and cross service issues including the Corporate Plan, the Community Plan and the Local Development Plan maintaining a customer focused approach.
• Advise the Economic Development Manager on all aspects relating to the postholder’s responsibilities.
• To deputise for the Economic Development Manager on any relevant Committee, group/company as deemed appropriate by the Economic Development Manager as well as fostering appropriate collaborative relationships and partnerships.
• To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal office hours and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council’s approved policies at the time.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• 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.
• Demonstrate experience of delivering digital programmes.
• 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.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Windows Applications.

How to Apply:

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV to Caroline by Monday 27th July 2026 @ 12PM. Please ensure your CV is accurate and up to date, including your full employment history, qualifications and current contact details.