Business Advisor

My client is a local Business Hub that delivers a range of Business Start-Up Services to new and existing Businesses, SME’s and Social Enterprises located across the wider Ards and North Down Council area.

They seek to recruit 2 part-time **Business Advisors / Development Executives** to help deliver support services to clients interested in starting or developing a business. This involves the development of feasibility studies, preparation of marketing and business plans, financial projections tailored coaching and mentoring to increase their chances of success.

Role Outline:
- Assist with the recruitment of clients onto programmes and initiatives. Provide tailored, professional, knowledgeable business mentoring and advice to clients. Prepare business plans and financial projections for clients then monitor, track and record progress. Signpost clients to other sources of support where applicable.

Implement correct operational procedures for all programmes in line with company policy and quality standards. Be responsible for all programme documentation being completed to funder standards and uploaded to respective management information system.

Assist CEO with the research/development, coordination, organisation and delivery of training, seminars, workshops, and business clinics to a range of clients including delivery of community outreach activities.

Assist with the marketing and promotion of services to the local community and stakeholders through organisation of networking events, seminars and outreach activities. Liaise with external providers in the delivery of services. Keep records and seek client feedback on support received.

Carry out research into needs and maintain an annual calendar of business support events and workshops. Identify and investigate potential partnerships for the delivery of services.

Act as an ambassador in all dealings with stakeholders, clients and programme participants at all times. Build and develop a professional network of local stakeholders, including funders, businesses, community organisations and social enterprises. Participate at conferences and seminars as required.

Ensure that systems and procedures are best suited to meet client, stakeholders, and organisational needs. Ensure all Health and Safety risks are minimised and all GDPR procedures are adhered to within the role.

Assist with development and management of department expenditure budgets, outputs and agreed income targets; raise any concerns or issues to the attention of the Chief Executive.
- Essential Criteria_

You will hold a degree or higher-level qualification or at least 3 years’ experience in supporting clients at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey, such as GO Succeed or GO For It.

You’ll be a confident communicator/presenter and be adept at getting the best out of others through tailored mentoring, seminars or workshops. You will have experience of preparing detailed business/financial plans and have a good understanding of support organisations, programmes and initiatives. A good understanding of the issues and challenges facing micro and small businesses is useful.

You will have excellent written communication and numeracy skills linked to advanced computer skills and strong competency in using Microsoft Office packages enabling you to collect and analyse data then write high quality reports and plans in a confident, professional manner.

Being self-motivated you’ll enjoy working to deadlines with ability to successfully manage, plan and prioritise to ensure programmes are delivered effectively. You will work collaboratively with your colleague to ensure alignment and a shared understanding of goals.

Full current Driving Licence and access to a vehicle required or otherwise able to fulfil the mobility requirements of the post.
- Desirable Criteria_
- Financial qualification e.g., Certificate for Accounting Technicians Level 4 Certificate.
- Membership of the Institute of Business Consulting or other relevant professional body.
- Experience working on Government funded programmes and initiatives.
- Experience of running or managing a business or social enterprise.

Attractive Annual Salary on offer of £30,000 to £35,000 (Pro Rata for part-time). Standard working schedule will be 30 hours per week flexible (minimum commitment of 25 hours per week). This collaborative part-time arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the preferences and commitments of both team members.

Learning and Development - We support the strategic growth of employees consisting of on-the-job training, e-learning, external seminars, training events and courses.

Confidentiality assured.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months

**Salary**: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 25 - 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Work from home

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Licence/Certif