At a Glance
- Tasks: Support projects that help businesses and communities thrive across the islands.
- Company: Join Highlands and Islands Enterprise, a leader in economic development.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £32,438, excellent pension, and full-time hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth with experienced colleagues and dynamic projects.
- Why this job: Develop your career while making a real impact in local communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in business, accountancy, economics or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 32438 - 32438 £ per year.
- Starting salary: £32,438 per annum. Excellent pension and benefits package
- Contract/hours: Two-year fixed term contract, full-time, 35 hours per week
- Position: Graduate Development Officer
- Location: Kirkwall
- Starting salary: £32,438 per annum. Excellent pension and benefits package
- Contract/hours: Two-year fixed term contract, full-time, 35 hours per week
Have you graduated in the last four years? If so, this could be the ideal opportunity to develop your career with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The role
As a Graduate Development Officer within our Orkney and Shetland area team, you'll support projects that help businesses and communities thrive across the islands.
You'll be involved in responding to business enquiries, supporting investment projects, undertaking research, helping assess applications for financial assistance, and contributing to property and infrastructure initiatives that support economic growth.
Working alongside experienced colleagues and specialist teams, you'll develop valuable skills in economic development, project delivery, stakeholder engagement and public sector investment.
The person
We're looking for a motivated graduate educated to degree level in business, accountancy, economics or a related subject.
You should have strong communication and analytical skills, a proactive approach to problem solving, and the ability to work collaboratively while using your own initiative.
An interest in economic development, excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills are important, as is a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
A full driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional visits to Shetland, are essential.
Find out more by downloading the job description and person specification.
Why choose HIE?
Read About The Benefits Of Working For Us.
- Job reference: 1150
- Closing date: 7 September 2026
- Interviews: w/c 14 September 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Graduate Development Officer Kirkwall employer: Sutherland Spaceport
As a Senior Development Manager in Stornoway, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering economic and community development in the Outer Hebrides. Our organisation offers an excellent pension and benefits package, alongside a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to making a meaningful impact, this role is perfect for those passionate about driving positive change in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Development Officer Kirkwall
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like Sutherland Spaceport!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Development Officer Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Sutherland Spaceport, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sutherland Spaceport
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Sutherland Spaceport’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
