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.

The Role:

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.

Key responsibilities will include:

• 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.

The Person:

Essential:

• 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 reports for senior management or governance structures
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to deliver projects on time and within budget
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Understanding of funding, reporting and public sector procurement processes
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to develop and manage effective networks and partnerships
• Full current UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or an alternative means of transport that enables the duties of the post to be carried out

Desirable:

• Experience of working within local government or economic development
• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland economic development landscape
• Experience of working with regional investment programmes or initiatives
• Experience of leading or managing a team

Package & Benefits:

• Salary: £46,579 - £49,817
• Full-time, 37 hours per week
• Fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028
• Based at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future economic development of Lisburn & Castlereagh
• Extensive stakeholder engagement across the public, private, community and business sectors
• Opportunity to lead a high-profile Local Economic Partnership and influence investment and growth across the Council area
• A role with strong strategic responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to major economic development initiatives
• Collaborative working environment within the Council's Regeneration & Growth Department

How to Apply:

To apply for this role, submit your CV via the application form provided. Alternatively, to speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please contact the Honeycomb team or Zeena Jackson directly on zeena.j@honeycomb.jobs

Please note: The closing date for applications for this role is October 13th 2026 at midnight, any applications made after this date/ time will not be considered.

Disclaimer:

If you have a disability which means you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us directly to discuss. Honeycomb is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all.

The Council is committed to providing people with disabilities the opportunity to compete fairly for jobs.  If you have any special needs or requirements with regard to any stage of the recruitment process please contact the HR&OD team at via email recruitment@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 02892447444'

Please note, we are receiving an exceptionally high number of applications at present and will be unable to shortlist candidates who are not meeting the specific requirements for this role. Due to the high volume of applications, we may be unable to provide individual feedback. We thank you in advance for your understanding.