Business Network Manager

On behalf of our client we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Network Manager reporting to the CEO.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our clients team as a Network Manager. The Network Manager will be responsible for the implementation of the networks strategic plan overseeing and managing a designated network of businesses ensuring the delivery of highquality training programs and ensuring that the network meets its annual targets. The Network Manager is also responsible for securing funding grow funding streams and administration of same as per compliance requirements for funding secured by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Our client is currently in the middle of a threeyear strategic planning process. The networks strategic ambition for the periodis to support businesses in with their skills and capabilities strategy through enterprise driven people development.

The key strategic objectives for the periodare to:

• Secure a 100% increase in funding by 2025 to enable the Network to effectively address the learning and development needs of member companies and expand support to new members in the Southeast region.
• Achieve a 100% growth in active member companies and trainees by the end of 2025.
• Enhance learning and development activities and member engagement across our clients Growth Priority pillars:
• Climate Action & Business Sustainability
• SME Leadership Development
• Workforce Innovation
• Industry and FDI Development
• Digital Acceleration and Transformation
• Deepen and extend the Networks collaboration & engagement with education and skills training providers within and beyond the region to ensure training offerings align with future skills needs and are innovative and impactful.
• Strengthen linkages with other enterprise and employment support programs in the region to capitalise on growth and diversification opportunities for the network.

Responsibilities include:

Business Development and Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Recruiting additional company members for the network as per targets with a view to creating a vibrant network which will focus on developing a best practice philosophy in the provision of service and training local industry.
• Proactively engaging with Member Companies on an ongoing basis to diagnose current and future industry enterprise and talent requirements.
• Attending relevant events information sessions conferences etc. to promote the network and its offering to attract new members and previously active members.

Financial and Budget Management

• Ensure robust financial management of the Network including activities associated with budgeting forecasting collecting match funds cash flow management and procurement.
• Authorise all monthly payments to suppliers.
• Support Network Administrator with the collection of outstanding payments.
• Development and submission of annual budgets.
• Support external Accountant in the completion end of year financial audit in compliance.

Sales and Marketing

• Production of suitable marketing materials i.e. brochure programme flyers media advertisements.
• Management and update of website in compliance to branding guidelines.
• Management of social media accounts to support network awareness and filling programmes.
• Responsible for management of member database and communication with same through use of google forms mailchimp etc.

Compliance and Operations

• Achieving KPIs and targets relating to budgets network membership training days and participants attending programmes
• Coordinating steering group meetings and liaising with the chairperson to agree agendas objectives and actions required before each meeting. Implementing strategy tasks and action points as they arise from steering group meetings.
• Updating the steering group regarding progress relating to the financial and training activity.
• Ensure all data is up to date and relevant on Sonrai CRM system.
• Ensure the completion of administrative tasks including record management data collection and entry.
• Participate in development opportunities for Network Managers.
• Conduct all Network duties in accordance with the Funding Agreement General Conditions Operating Guidelines Branding Guidelines and Procurement Guidelines.
• Engage with the Networks dedicated to the Development Advisor.
• Tendering selection and briefing training providers and other contractors negotiating with suppliers management of the training programmes support of participants evaluation and liaison with key stakeholders.
• Work closely with external auditors in completion of compliance audit every 15 months and implement recommendations where required.

Training Management

• Onsite and virtual meetings with employers in the region to identify and assess training and upskilling requirements for their organisation.
• Plan procure coordinate and evaluate the Networks workforce development programme including the range of training education and Networking events delivered by the Network.
• Coordinate and/or engage in programme development design and customisation.
• Liaising sourcing negotiating and contracting training providers and training facility providers.
• Ensure that learning supports are tailored to leverage learning technologies to encourage workforce development productivity and innovation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualified to Degree level in a relevant discipline desirable and/or experience or background in Learning and Development is essential.
• An understanding and knowledge of the further and higher education landscape in Ireland is essential.
• Previous experience in sales and marketing within the education training or learning and development sectors highly desirable.
• Previous experience in managing tendering process costings budgets and financial forecasts.
• Strong project management skills ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and driven to deliver required KPIs and targets.
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail
• Be a true teamplayer cando attitude and a desire to learn.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact and influence with a diverse audience.
• Proven track record in stakeholder engagement relationship management networking and business development.
• Competent user on Excel / Ms Office / Social media/ Wordpress and an ability to learn new systems.

Remote Work :

No