Local Economic Partnership Co-Ordinator

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is a progressive local authority committed to creating thriving communities, supporting sustainable economic growth and delivering positive outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors across the Council area.

As part of its Regeneration & Growth Department
, the Council's Economic Development team plays a key role in supporting business growth, investment and local economic development.

We are delighted to be recruiting for a Local Economic Partnership Co-ordinator to join the Economic Development team. This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role in shaping and delivering the Council's economic priorities, working with a wide range of public, private and third sector partners to create new opportunities for investment, employment and growth.

Reporting to the Economic Development Manager, you will lead the strategic development, delivery and management of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Local Economic Partnership (LEP).

You will develop and deliver a three-year LEP Action Plan, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, support business growth, create jobs, reduce economic inactivity and contribute to the Council's Net Zero ambitions.

• Lead the design and delivery of the Local Economic Partnership Action Plan
• Identify and develop strategic economic development projects and interventions
• Undertake research and analysis to support evidence-based decision making
• Develop business cases, funding applications and economic appraisals to support investment
• Manage the LEP Steering Group and associated working groups, ensuring effective governance and stakeholder representation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners including Invest NI, the Department for the Economy, businesses, academia, community organisations and other agencies
• Manage LEP projects, ensuring delivery against agreed budgets, timescales, KPIs and outcomes
• Oversee project monitoring, evaluation, reporting, risk management and audit requirements
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and presentations for Council meetings, senior management, funders and stakeholders
• Lead on procurement documentation and contracts in line with public sector requirements
• Represent Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council at regional and sub-regional economic development forums, networks and working groups
• Work collaboratively with the Belfast Region City Deal team where appropriate to maximise opportunities for regional investment
• Coordinate communications, stakeholder engagement and events associated with the LEP
• Maintain up-to-date information and data relating to economic indicators, business sectors, land availability and infrastructure
• Support the Economic Development Manager and Head of Service in delivering wider economic development initiatives
• Deputise for the Economic Development Manager when required

The role will also involve attending business events, breakfasts and evening functions, typically 1-2 times per month, with flexibility required for additional events where necessary.

• A third level qualification, such as HNC, HND, NVQ Level 4 or degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Business Studies or Business Management
• At least 4 years' relevant experience in designing, developing and managing strategic economic, enterprise, business growth or local economic development programmes
• At least 4 years' experience of stakeholder engagement and partnership working across public, private and/or third sector organisations
• Experience preparing business cases, funding applications or economic appraisals to secure public or external investment
• Experience managing project budgets, delivering against KPIs and preparing…