Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate employability programmes while developing partnerships with businesses and stakeholders.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority focused on economic development.
- Benefits: Earn £21.65 per hour with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities to attend engaging events and workshops.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by driving skills and employability initiatives.
- Qualifications: Degree or 4 years' experience in economic development; strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
VANRATH are delighted to be assisting our major Public Sector client, a large organisation with the recruitment of a Business Development Officer to join their team based in Newtownabbey.
What's in it for you?
- £21.65 per hour
- Opportunity to lead strategic employability and skills initiatives
- Exposure to major regional growth programmes and stakeholder partnerships
- Involvement in externally funded economic development projects
About your next employer
You'll be joining a forward-thinking local authority within its Economic Development function, supporting programmes that drive skills development, employability and business growth across the borough. Working closely with businesses, education providers, government departments and community stakeholders, the team delivers strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the local labour market and support regional economic growth.
About you
- Degree qualification (or equivalent) OR at least 4 years' relevant experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience in economic development activities
- Experience delivering skills, employability or workforce initiatives
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Experience working with externally funded programmes (desirable)
- Knowledge of grant funding and programme compliance processes
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Full driving licence (or access to suitable transport)
- Flexibility to attend evening meetings and engagements when required
What you'll do
- Lead and coordinate employability and skills programmes across the borough
- Develop and manage partnerships with businesses, education providers and stakeholders
- Support the establishment and coordination of labour market partnership initiatives
- Identify funding opportunities and support grant application processes
- Monitor programme performance, outcomes and compliance requirements
- Organise and support business engagement events, workshops and consultations
- Prepare reports, action plans and committee documentation
- Contribute to economic development strategies, research and policy initiatives
For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Conor Birch in the strictest confidence.
Business Development Officer - Newtownabbey employer: VANRATH
Contact Detail:
VANRATH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Officer - Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars related to economic development. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or partnerships that could lead to your next role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience in economic development and project management. Use specific examples of how you've contributed to skills initiatives or partnerships in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings or interviews. A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Officer - Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in economic development and skills initiatives, and don’t forget to showcase your project management skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with the job description. Be sure to mention any experience with stakeholder engagement and grant funding.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led projects or improved employability outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Business Development Officer. Brush up on economic development activities, skills initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your project management skills and experience with externally funded programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or future initiatives. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to grant applications or stakeholder partnerships. Think through potential challenges and how you would address them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.