Job Description
Your new company Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) is the economic development agency for Northern Ireland responsible for supporting the establishment and growth of business enterprises, including those with export potential. Invest NI promotes Northern Ireland for Foreign Direct Investment and manages a client portfolio of more than 3,000 companies. With 650 staff, an annual gross expenditure budget of approximately £150 million, and offices across Northern Ireland and in 29 international locations, Invest NI plays a central role in delivering the Department for the Economy's Economic Vision, Business Strategy, City & Growth Deals and the recommendations of the Independent Review of Invest role sits within the Business Growth Group, which supports companies across key sectors and drives innovation, research and development, helping businesses grow, export and remain competitive. Your new role Job Title: Ecosystem Senior Innovation and Growth SpecialistTeam: Innovate UK Business Growth - Innovation, Research and Development Division Grade: Grade 7 Salary: £61,673 - £64,469 per annum Contract Type: Full-time, permanent Location: Bedford Square Headquarters, Belfast (with UK travel and hybrid working) Start Date: As soon as possible (depending on notice period) Main Purpose of the Job: This role is an opportunity for a high calibre, experienced business professional to directly contribute to driving business innovation and growth in the UK. The role requires experience and knowledge of the strategic funding and finance needs of innovative high growth potential companies in order to help them become more investment ready and invest able. It will support Innovate UK's "Place" agenda, acting as an interface with accelerators, launchpads, Freeports and/or other regional clusters. Key Responsibilities include: Identify ambitious innovation orientated SMEs with the potential for scaling and investment readiness, who could benefit from Innovate UK Business Growth support. Assess and understand the companies' specific needs and introduce relevant Innovate UK Business Growth services (and connectivity) along different phases of the company's journey as it grows, specifically providing strategic funding and finance support for investment readiness. Interacting with businesses to stimulate an increase of their ambition to scale, augmenting other support available locally. Provide tailored support to the companies' growth and scaling needs, connecting them with the people and opportunities that will really accelerate their growth both in the UK and internationally, by being agile, flexible and responsive, supporting them effectively and at a pace set by them. Maintain a strong connection with, and support the development of, the national Innovate UK Business Growth "invest ability" pathway and the Innovate UK Scaleup Programme. Work with Innovate UK colleagues, British Business Bank regional colleagues and intermediaries plus other key regional stakeholders to reinforce the close cooperation that will enable the client to navigate the Northern Ireland local investment support and where necessary establish local co operation to support achievement of this. Deliver, facilitate, and attend workshops and events to promote client success and the impact of Innovate UK Business Growth. This may include attending occasional national/international conferences and exhibitions and possibly supporting client companies with their national/international missions. Act as a 'go to' resource for clients from the Innovate UK Launchpads, and through referrals for other regional clusters and accelerators. Undertake other duties as reasonably required. What you'll need to succeed Experience & Knowledge Business Growth, Scaling & Leadership - Demonstrated experience in driving significant business growth through senior leadership roles within corporate or ambitious SME environments, coupled with a proven track record of enabling organisations to scale. This includes identifying growth challenges, shaping strategic actions, and leading organisational transformation that delivers measurable, high-impact outcomes. Innovation Expertise - Strong insight and experience of implementing innovation-led business models and technology commercialisation, particularly for high growth and R&D intensive ventures. Finance Strategy - Experience in developing and implementing finance strategies and supporting successful fundraising across equity, debt, venture capital, angel investment, and blended finance. Investor readiness - Experience in preparing companies for investor engagement and capital-raising processes with successful outcomes. Commercialisation of Innovation - Proven experience in commercialising and launching new products, services, or technologies. Strong Network and Business Development Skills - With an extensive range of contacts in Northern Ireland and proven ability to use networking, relationship-building and sales skills to achieve results. Supply Chain & SME Readiness - Strong understanding of the requirements SMEs must meet to supply large companies and operate within complex supply chains. Knowledge of the NI Innovation Ecosystem - Awareness of the Northern Ireland innovation landscape, with experience building partnerships with key stakeholders, universities, clusters, and support organisations. Ability to navigate and connect businesses to UK-wide resources such as Catapults and Innovate UK. Skills Strategic thinking - A strong capacity to analyse opportunities and plan long term growth. Commercial awareness - ability to evaluate markets, customers and commercial potential. Financial literacy - Strong grasp of finance, funding mechanisms and investment processes. Project Management & Communication -Strong project and time management skills, with excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation abilities. Self-motivated: Highly self-motivated, results-driven, and committed to high-quality delivery. Strong analytical & problem-solving skills - with demonstratable skills in breaking down complex issues into actionable steps. Adaptability & Learning Agility - Comfortable working in fast-moving, high-growth environments and able to quickly understand new sectors, technologies, and business models. Strong communication skills - ability to present ideas, facilitate meaningful General Possess a full current driving licence and access to a motor vehicle (reasonable adjustments considered for disability). Experience must have been gained within the past 8 years. What you'll get in return Invest NI offers a comprehensive package of benefits including: Attractive pension scheme. 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years' service) plus 12 public and privilege holidays. Flexible working hours (7am-7pm flexi scheme). Hybrid working combining in-office and remote work. Family-friendly policies. Employee Assistance Programme and Wellness initiatives. Inclusion networks including the Professional Women's Network and LGBTQ+ group. Sports & Social Committee events. Opportunities to support the corporate charity, NI Children's Hospice. Extensive learning and development opportunities including training and further education. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be Skills: Strategic thinking Commercial awareness Financial literacy Project management & communication Self-motivated Strong analytical & problem-solving skills Adaptability & learning agility Benefits: £61673-£64469 per annum
