Senior Enterprise Development Officer

Administrative Senior Enterprise Development Officer (Grade 7) 12 Month Specific Purpose Contract
Advertised Date: 15 Sep 2025
Waterford
Temporary (12 Month Specific Purpose Contract)
Introduction to Role:
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 Waterford Local Enterprise Office
was established in April 2014 and involved the amalgamation of the two previous Enterprise Boards – County and City - and forms part of the Economic Development Directorate of Waterford City and County Council .
It has two customer service points – one at 35 The Mall in Waterford City where the LEO HQ is currently based and one in the Civic Offices, Dungarvan.
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
Waterford City & County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition.
Waterford City & County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Head of Enterprise (HoE) in the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the primary role of the Senior Enterprise Development Officer (SEDO) will be to support the (HoE) in the achievement of the LEO's business goals and operational management.
Specific responsibilities include:
Identifying gaps/opportunities that inhibit growth of small and micro businesses in Waterford and identifying and implementing initiatives to address these.
Support the strengthening of the startup ecosystem, including the development of clusters and networks.
Evaluation of programmes and activities of the LEO in order to provide direction to management in respect of the quality and focus of its services.
Developing, promoting and delivering an appropriate range of supports for micro-enterprises and SMEs.
Acting as a point of contact for clients in delivering customer services.
Managing LEO outreach activities across the City and County to promote inclusivity and engagement, including reaching businesses in rural areas.
With the HoE and counterpart SEDO, supervision of the operational management of the Waterford LEO as designated, including financial management and procurement.
Co-ordination and monitoring external contracts placed by the LEO
Coordinating with the HoE and counterpart SEDO to evaluate and assess funding applications made to and by the LEO, and presenting them to the Evaluations and Approvals Committee as appropriate.
Reviewing and undertaking due diligence of business / project proposals for financial assistance and of making decisions or recommendations on same.
Providing, as required, appropriate professional support to the Council's and LEO's Management Teams as well as other internal and external local authority and LEO collaborations
Leading, coaching and developing the LEO team members to deliver a quality service in all assignments
Providing appropriate reports to the LEO's Management Team on programmes, projects, events, activities and performance including the provision of data on agreed KPIs and the maintenance of systems to track and monitor same
Providing support, as appropriate, in the planning and delivery of Waterford's Local Economic and Community Plans, Local Development Strategy and Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)
Establishing and maintaining strategic alliances and close exchanges with other business support agencies and institutions both within and serving Waterford
Managing a range of public relations activities
Conducting research and informational activities as required
The Senior Enterprise Development Officer will also:
Ensure the Head of LEO is fully informed of operational and performance activities and overall team progress
Represent the Head of LEO at functions/client activity in his/her absence
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.
Qualifications
Post of Senior Enterprise Development Officer
The Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government has declared that the qualifications for the position of Senior Enterprise Development Officer shall be as set out hereunder.
Character: Candidates shall be of good character
Health: Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Education, Experience, Etc.: Each candidate shall, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
Hold a Level 7 qualification (or higher) in Business or a related discipline.
Have at least 3 years relevant post graduate experience in a business environment.
Have a full clean driving licence and have access to his / her own car.
Have the knowledge and ability to discharge the duties of the post concerned;
Be highly motivated, committed and be a good team player.
Be innovative, adaptable and creative;
Requirements:
The person appointed will be able to clearly demonstrate the key competencies as set out in this Booklet.
In addition, the following education and experience is desirable;
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 a satisfactory knowledge of the LEO supports, services and processes and range of public and private supports available to small enterprise in Ireland.
Have sound commercial awareness and strong business planning, evaluation & research skills.
Possess a strong business acumen with experience that demonstrates an understanding of the phases of business development including a demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret business proposals from various perspectives, e.g. finance, marketing, process/operations, etc
Have strong project management skills.
Have strong interpersonal, report writing, presentation and communication skills.
Be proficient in the use of IT applications and social media.
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