Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead skills initiatives and engage with local businesses to drive economic growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Economic Development team making a real impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on 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.
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.
Business Development Officer employer: MCS Group
Contact Detail:
MCS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local businesses, education providers, and stakeholders. Attend events, workshops, and meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and successes in economic development. This will help you stand out when meeting potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to be posted. Reach out directly to organisations you’re interested in and express your enthusiasm for their work. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Check out the latest job listings and apply directly through us. We’re here to support you in landing that Business Development Officer role and making a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Business Development Officer role. Highlight your experience in economic development and any relevant projects you've managed. 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 skills and employability initiatives. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders and driven projects forward. Let us know why you're the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, make sure your written application showcases your communication prowess. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas simply. We love a good storyteller!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Business Development Officer - Skills. Familiarise yourself with local economic development initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about examples from your past where you've successfully engaged with businesses or education providers. Be ready to share how you built those relationships and the impact they had on projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed, especially those related to skills and employability initiatives. Highlight your organisational skills and how you handled competing priorities, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Funding
Given the importance of funding in this role, 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 and how you ensured compliance with requirements.