Economic Development Officer

Economic Development Officer Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Department:
Service Transformation

Location:

Lagan Valley Island

Hours:

37 hours per week Salary: £46,579 - £49,817 Help shape the economic future of Lisburn & Castlereagh Borough Council Are you passionate about economic development, business growth, investment and creating opportunities for local businesses? MCS Group are partnering with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council seeking an ambitious and proactive Economic Development Officer to join their Economic Development Team and play a key role in delivering initiatives that support businesses, attract investment and contribute to the Council's wider economic vision.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of strategic projects, supporting SMEs and key stakeholders while identifying and developing opportunities for investment, trade and business growth. Working closely with the Economic Development Manager, you will help turn ideas and opportunities into tangible outcomes - from developing and delivering business support programmes and securing funding, to undertaking economic research, supporting investment activity and building strong partnerships locally, nationally and internationally.

What you'll be doing As an Economic Development Officer, you will:
Drive economic development initiatives across trade, enterprise, investment and collaboration, contributing to projects and programmes that support the Council's wider economic vision. Support local businesses and SMEs by providing practical advice, information and guidance on grants, funding programmes and business development opportunities. Identify and attract funding to support the delivery of economic development initiatives and maximise opportunities for the local economy.

Support investment and business growth, developing relationships with potential investors and helping businesses establish, expand and access new markets. Develop partnerships and networks locally, nationally and internationally to create new opportunities for trade, investment and collaboration. Undertake economic research and analysis, providing evidence, insights and recommendations to inform strategic decision-making and the Council's statutory planning function. Support the City Deal Programme, including the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund.

Manage projects and programmes effectively, including monitoring targets and performance, managing budgets, undertaking evaluations and ensuring compliance with relevant requirements. Lead procurement and contract management activity, working effectively with external and third-party delivery partners. Promote economic development activity, coordinating marketing and communications, events, conferences, exhibitions, business visits, website content and promotional materials. Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, policy responses and speeches for Council Members, Committees and Council Officers.

Represent the Council on relevant partnerships, strategic groups and advisory committees. Lead and manage specific areas of work and support the wider team, including deputising for the Economic Development Manager when required. You will also contribute to delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service, ensuring Council policies, procedures and relevant legislation are followed and continually seeking ways to improve service delivery.

Why this role?

This is a varied and influential role offering the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the economic development of the Lisburn & Castlereagh area.

You'll work with businesses, investors, partners, Council colleagues and key stakeholders, helping to create connections, unlock opportunities and deliver projects that…