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- Tasks: Lead innovative skills initiatives and engage with local businesses to drive economic growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Economic Development team making a real impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future workforce and create meaningful opportunities for local communities.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in economic development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Economic Development professional looking to make a real impact on local skills, employability and business growth? We're recruiting for a Business Development Officer - Skills to join a forward-thinking Economic Development team, supporting the delivery of innovative employability, workforce and business growth initiatives across the borough. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to work closely with employers, education providers, government departments and key stakeholders to help shape future workforce development and create meaningful opportunities for local communities.
The Role
- Lead and deliver skills and employability initiatives in partnership with local stakeholders and employers.
- Support the development and coordination of a Local Labour Market Partnership and associated action plans.
- Engage directly with businesses to identify workforce needs, skills gaps and funding opportunities.
- Develop and manage externally funded programmes and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
- Coordinate workshops, business engagement events and employability initiatives.
- Support the delivery of wider economic development projects, including Belfast Region City Deal initiatives.
- Prepare reports, monitoring information and programme evaluations to measure impact and outcomes.
- Build strong relationships with government departments, education providers, training organisations and local businesses.
- Assist with funding applications, project development and partnership initiatives.
- Support marketing and promotional activity aligned to economic development programmes.
You will work collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders, helping to drive economic growth, workforce development and long-term employability outcomes.
Essential Criteria
- A degree level qualification (or equivalent) OR significant relevant experience in economic development.
- Experience working across a range of economic development activities.
- Experience developing or delivering skills and/or employability initiatives.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of funding programmes and grant administration processes.
- A full UK driving licence or access to suitable transport.
- Flexibility to attend evening meetings and events where required.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience managing externally funded programmes.
- Experience working with local government, business support or partnership initiatives.
- Experience monitoring and evaluating programme outcomes.
To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided or contact Samantha Boles for a confidential discussion. This position may be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. If this role isn't quite right for you, we may have other economic development and business support opportunities available - get in touch to find out more.
Business Development Officer in Belfast employer: MCS Group
Contact Detail:
MCS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Officer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local events, workshops, and meet-ups related to economic development. This is your chance to connect with potential employers and stakeholders who can help you land that Business Development Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a personal website or online portfolio that highlights your experience in skills and employability initiatives. This will give you an edge and make it easier for employers to see what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Officer role. Highlight your experience in economic development and skills initiatives, and don’t forget to showcase your project management skills. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about economic development and how your background aligns with our goals. Be sure to mention any relevant partnerships or initiatives you've been involved in.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build relationships with various stakeholders. Whether it's businesses, education providers, or government departments, we want to know how you've successfully engaged with them in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders mentioned in the job description. Understand their roles and how they contribute to economic development. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to engage with them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of projects you've managed or contributed to, especially those related to skills and employability initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you handled competing priorities and met deadlines, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Funding Processes
Brush up on your knowledge of funding programmes and grant administration processes. Be prepared to discuss any experience you have with managing externally funded programmes, as this will be a key part of the role.
✨Engage with Real Examples
Think of real-life scenarios where you've successfully built relationships with businesses or stakeholders. Use these examples to illustrate your communication and engagement skills during the interview, making it clear how you can drive economic growth.