SENIOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

The Local Enterprise Office provides advice, information and support in starting up or growing a business. With 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer a wide range of experience, skills and services.

The role of the Local Enterprise Office includes;

• to drive and support business start-ups and promote a ‘can-do’ business culture

• to increase the job potential of new and existing micro and small businesses

• to increase the number of innovative businesses with potential to export

• to be proactive in response to the needs of clients

The Local Enterprise Offices are the front door through which all information on State supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and signposted to other supports and bodies with programmes relevant to small business as well as important local services and compliance requirements can be provided.

The vision for the Local Enterprise Office is to develop and sustain a positive enterprise ecosystem at local level throughout the country that will drive new added-value start-ups, facilitate further growth of micro and small businesses and enhance local economies.

The Senior Enterprise Development Officer (SEDO) is a specialist role within the Local Enterprise Office. The SEDO will facilitate the delivery of a high standard quality system of co-ordinated and cohesive State support to the micro and small business sector.

The successful candidate will be required to make a significant contribution to the implementation of a strategic plan to support enterprise, entrepreneurship and job creation at a local level. Success will be measured by the impact of LEO supports provided to small businesses and the extent to which micro business and start-ups in the region are developed.

The job requires a candidate with excellent oral and written communication skills and with the ability to think strategically. Fostering working relationships with a range of statutory, public and private sector partners is a key requirement of the job.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

• hold a degree (Level 7 or higher in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Busi ness or a related discipline, and

• have at least seven years’ relevant post graduate experience in a business environment

The ideal candidate shall:

• have the experience and skills to be able to critically evaluate business proposals and make recommendations on their implementation

• have the skills and experience to be able to actively engage with small and micro business promoters and to advise them on the implementation of their plans and strategies

• have appropriate skills in relation to marketing and publicity

• be computer literate, be familiar with the use of digital marketing platforms and have strong verbal and written communication skills, including being comfortable speaking in public

• have strong knowledge of the commercial and business environment on a local and national level

• have Strong knowledge and understanding of economic development and the evolving economic development landscape both nationally and locally

• have strong business acumen with experience that demonstrates an understanding of the small and micro business environment in Ireland and the needs and requirements of owner-managers of small business

• have satisfactory knowledge of the LEO supports, services and processes and range of public and private supports available to small enterprise in Ireland

• have experience in advising companies around grants, business supports and growth strategies

• have sound commercial awareness and strong business planning, evaluation and research skills

• have an understanding of the preparation of accounts and strong skills in the interpretation of financial statements

• have experience of securing or administering grants and raising finance

• have experience of building strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and ability to work in close collaboration with key partners and to seek cooperation and consensus with a range of bodies and representative groups

• have the ability to plan and prioritise work effectively, to work under pressure to tight deadlines and to take a strategic approach in the formulation and delivery of key policy objectives

• have significant experience in the management of staff and working and leading multi-disciplinary teams, and the ability to motivate, empower and encourage employees to achieve maximum performance

• have knowledge of the structure and functions of local government, of current local government issues, future trends and strategic direction of local government and an understanding of the role of Senior Enterprise Development Officer in this context

Further information is available in the Candidate Information Booklet available on our website.