Business Development Officer - Newtownabbey

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