Funding & Business Engagement Lead in Kilkeel

Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

What You Will Do

• Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Develop and deliver an integrated internal and external communications strategy aligned with site objectives and the One Collins culture.
  • Partner with site leadership to plan and deliver clear, consistent and engaging communications across all levels of the organisation.
  • Manage internal communication channels, including organisational announcements, employee newsletters, town hall meetings and other engagement platforms.
  • Support the development and promotion of the Collins Aerospace brand across Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
  • Collaborate with HR, Legal and other relevant functions to support effective change management communications and employee engagement.
  • Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, industry partners and organisations to promote site activities and strategic priorities.
  • Ensure effective communication of key business initiatives, investment projects and organisational developments.
• Funding & Strategic Development
  • Support the development and delivery of the site’s business strategy, transformation roadmap and annual goal alignment objectives.
  • Identify, assess and prioritise external funding, grants and investment opportunities aligned with site strategy, manufacturing transformation, innovation, skills and growth.
  • Build and maintain relations with funding bodies, government agencies, corporate functions and strategic partners.
  • Lead coordination of application and supporting business cases, including scope, costs, expected benefits, return on investment and delivery commitments.
  • Work with finance and project sponsors to validate assumptions, eligibility, funding conditions, match funding requirements and approval documentation.
  • Provide clear updates to senior leadership on funding status, forecast spend, delivery confidence, outstanding claims and corrective actions.
• Culture & Employee Engagement
  • Support the development and delivery of initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and reinforce the One Collins culture.
  • Partner with site leadership and HR to coordinate employee engagement activities and support the Culture and Engagement Council.
  • Support employee engagement surveys, including communication plans, participation initiatives, analysis of results and follow-up actions.
  • Work with leaders to ensure effective communication and implementation of engagement initiatives, tracking progress against agreed objectives.
  • Act as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for communications and engagement activities across the facility.
• Business Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Support the development of annual departmental objectives and implementation plans aligned with business priorities.
  • Encourage cross-functional collaboration, knowledge sharing and effective stakeholder engagement.
  • Identify opportunities to improve communication processes, employee engagement and funding project delivery.
  • Promote and support a safe working environment in line with Company policies and objectives.
  • Undertake any other duties as required to support evolving business needs.

Essential Criteria

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a comparable professional role, ideally within funding, business development, strategic planning, communications or stakeholder engagement.
• OR Currently working in an M4 role.
• OR Hold or be working towards a third-level qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a P3 role, demonstrating experience in areas such as stakeholder engagement, customer engagement, cross-functional collaboration, business communications or project delivery.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience identifying, applying for or administering external grants and funding programmes.
• Experience with Invest Northern Ireland or other government funding organisations.
• Experience managing funding claims, grant compliance, audits or benefits realisation.

What We Offer

• 25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays
• Ability to buy & sell annual leave
• Attractive Compensation Package
• Private Medical Insurance
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
• Early finish on Fridays
• Flexible benefits tailored to you
• Discounted gym membership
• Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Professional Development & Growth
• Support with professional fees
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Healthcare benefits (including healthcare cash plan)
• Staff Discounts
• Work/Life Balance
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Free onsite parking
• Opportunities for progression and development

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form - with our customers and with each other - propel us all higher, again and again.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.