Business Advisor

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the local first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro-enterprise and small business owners. The LEOs are the front door through which all information on State supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and through which financial and other supports can be provided to the business community. The dissolution of the previous City and County Enterprise Boards and the transfer of their functions to Enterprise Ireland led to the formation of the 31 LEOs in 2014. The Local Enterprise Offices are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and operate under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) between Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities and are a significant element in the enhanced role which local authorities now have in the whole area of economic development.

The LEO operates as a unit within the Local Authority under the direction of the Chief Executive reporting internally through normal channels. LEO Staff can move laterally or avail of promotional opportunities within their employer organisation. Any movement of staff will conform to the existing procedures, practices and protocols in place within their employer organisation and staff may engage with their relevant employer HR department as appropriate.

The Local Enterprise Office Offaly was established in April 2014 and involved the amalgamation of the business support unit of Offaly County Council & Offaly County Enterprise Board - and forms part of the Economic Development Directorate of Offaly County Council. Its offices are located at Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly but due to the nature of the work all roles involve the performance of duties at a variety of locations as required. The main functions of the office are the provision of:

·       Business Information and Advisory Services

·       Enterprise Support Services

·       Entrepreneurship Support Service

·       Local Enterprise Development Services / Economic Development

The primary role of the Business Advisor will be to support the Head of Enterprise in the delivery of services and operations in line with the SLA and in the achievement of the LEO’s business goals. The role will involve significant client engagement at the individual and/or business level, and requires engagement with the wider business community and other business support agencies. The successful applicant will be required to carry out and manage their tasks, within the confines of the budget as approved by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and any other resources secured by the LEO.

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Head of Enterprise in the Local Enterprise Office, or such designated person as may be assigned from time to time.

The Business Advisor will contribute towards the management and delivery of the Local Enterprise Office supports and programmes in line with the Local Enterprise Development Plan for Offaly 2025-2029 and other programmes as directed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment including procurement of services, service and budget management and ensuring full recording of outputs and deliverables.

He/she will work as a member of a small dynamic team providing support and assistance to small and micro businesses. He/she will also assess grant applications and provide advice and guidance to loan applicants and those who receive grant support. He/she will provide key administrative support to the LEO’s Evaluations and Approvals Committee.

The premier responsibilities of the Business Advisor in the functioning of the LEO are in the provision of professional support in terms of Business Services and Marketing related activity.

Duties & Responsibilities

More specifically, the role and responsibilities of the Business Advisor encompass the following key areas:

·       Provide one to one business advice and guidance to anyone thinking about starting a business or any existing business in Co Offaly.

·       Act as a point of contact for clients; assessing and identifying development needs and advising on relevant supports, qualifying criteria and the application process.

·       Evaluating and undertaking due diligence of business / project proposals for financial assistance and making assessments or recommendations.

·       Manage, develop and grow the LEO client portfolio

·       Contribute to the development, management and delivery of LEO events, programmes and pilot programmes, both local (e.g. training, management development supports and networking), regional and national (e.g. enterprise supports and awards programmes) as directed.

·       Research, develop, resource and delivery of new initiatives, events and programmes within the Local Enterprise Office in support of enterprise and economic development in Offaly.

·       Engage in collaborative initiatives and EU programmes as required by the Head of Enterprise.

·       Promote and implement innovation and continuous improvement in the processes and programmes of the Local Enterprise Office.

·       Contribute to the development and maintenance of the LEO Web Site, social media platforms and marketing opportunities for both LEO clients and the LEO itself.

·       Keep abreast of new technologies and emerging trends relevant to enterprises in Offaly.

·       Management of certain LEO external contracts and ensuring best practice in the procurement of goods and services.

·       Liaising with clients to ensure the provision of a quality customer service and assistance towards the management of the LEO’s front-office services.

·       Contribute to the on-going awareness campaign of LEO Offaly.

·       Promotion of an enterprise culture in Co. Offaly.

·       Provision of support in any Business Service, Consulting or Research Assignments.

·       Provision of professional support to the LEO Management Team.

·       Provision of administrative and professional support to the LEO’s Evaluations and Approvals Committee.

·       Support the work of the Senior Enterprise Development Officer and Head of Enterprise.

·       Contribute to the financial management, accounting, budgeting and reporting for the LEO. This includes financial and other reporting to the Council bodies, to Enterprise Ireland, to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and to various other government departments and to any other bodies as required from time to time.

·       Other duties required to contribute to the successful management of the LEO services may be assigned from time to time by the Head of the LEO and/or other nominated members of the LEO management team.

Desirable Criteria

Candidates should demonstrate:

·         An excellent understanding of commercial business and significant experience in working with the business community.

·         Excellent communications skills and experience in client/customer engagement and management.

·         Significant experience in event management and/or delivery of projects and special events, including budget, delivery on tight deadlines, project management and reporting of outcomes and results.

·         Be self-motivated with an ability to work on own initiative but within a dynamic small-team environment.

·         Demonstrate a willingness to support the team in the delivery of and administration for the National LEO unit as directed.

·         Decision making and problem solving skills.

·         Ability to manage resources while delivering quality outcomes including an ability to motivate and empower staff under his/her control to achieve maximum performance.

·         Experience in the use of financial management systems both from an administrative and reporting perspective.

·         Experience in the management and utilisation of new communications technologies (in particular digital marketing) and the ability to utilise social media communication and marketing opportunities for both LEO clients and the LEO itself.

·         A strong capability to multi task and work to deadlines.

·         An ability to be self-motivated: to work on own initiative but within a dynamic small-team environment. An understanding of the needs of small and micro businesses, knowledge of the start-up environment and available supports, and the role of the Local Enterprise Office, including knowledge of its supports, services and processes.

·         The ability to motivate, empower and encourage staff.

Competencies for the Post

Key Competencies for the post of Business Advisor include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Strategic Management and Change

Strategic Ability

·       Is effective in translating the mission of the Local Enterprise Office into operational plans and outputs.

·       Demonstrates innovation and creativity in securing successful strategic outcomes.

Networking and Representing

·       Develops and maintains positive and beneficial relationships with relevant interests and stakeholders.

Bringing About Change

·       Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

·       Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effective decisions. Considers the implications for those affected by the decisions.

Operational Planning

·       Understands the key deliverables and takes accountability for getting things done. Has a strong capability to multitask and work to deadlines.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

·       Can identify customers’ needs and expectations and deliver a high-quality service.

Performance Through People – Communicating Effectively

Leading and Motivating

·       Leads, motivates and engages others to achieve quality results and to deliver their part of the operational plan.

Communicating Effectively

·       Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Presents ideas effectively to all audiences.

Personal Effectiveness – Personal Motivation and Initiative

Qualifications and Knowledge

·       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 businesses.

·       Have a detailed knowledge of the LEO supports, services and processes and the range of public and private supports available to small enterprise in Ireland.

·       Have sound commercial awareness and strong business planning, evaluation & research skills.

·       Be familiar with the preparation of accounts and interpretation of financial statements.

·       Have strong project management skills.

·       Have strong interpersonal, report writing, presentation and communication skills.

·       Be competent in the use of analytical software, presentation and social media.

·       Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legislative and policy environment in which they are operating

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1.     Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

2.     Health

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.     Citizenship

Candidates for any of the above panels must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a)        A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b)        A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c)        A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d)        A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e)        A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(f)         A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

4.     Education, Training, Experience etc.

Each candidate must on their date of their application –

a)     Have good general standard of education. It is desirable that the candidate will possess/hold a professional qualification in Business and/or Financial Management (level 7 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or an equivalent professional qualification or relevant experience.

b)     Have at least four years relevant work experience in a relevant business environment and/or in a business development support organisation;

c)     Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.

d)    Have strong business acumen with experience that demonstrates and understanding of the small and micro business environment in Ireland and the needs and requirements of owner managers of small business.

e)     Have strong interpersonal, report writing, presentation and communication skills.

5.     Driving Licence:

The Holder of the Post of shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority.

* Non Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

The Post:

The post is permanent, whole-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a further year at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate vacancies that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time.  Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular.   The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €56,754 - €69,337 (LSI 2).

Duties:

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority, and

a)     such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 2014, is Chief Executive, and

b)    to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority, or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

Work Base:

Assignment will be to the Local Enterprise Office, Offaly County Council, Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

Reporting Arrangements:

You will report directly to the Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office or to other such person as may be determined from time to time.

Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time. The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remuneration will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time.

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014 as amended will prevail.

Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.