Programme Manager - Enterprise Development

InterTradeIreland; Newry; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Flexible working (office + remote)

Professional development support

Inclusive working environment

Health and wellbeing focus

Job summary

InterTradeIreland seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead the design, delivery, governance and evaluation of enterprise development programmes across the island of Ireland.

You will manage complex stakeholder relationships, drive measurable impact, and focus on stimulating entrepreneurial activity while supporting growth and innovation across sectors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience managing strategic programmes or initiatives within economic development, enterprise, innovation, or public sector.
• Significant experience leading complex programmes from design through implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience proactively managing and leading a team with deadlines and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery, governance and evaluation of a portfolio of enterprise development programmes.
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships and partnerships across the island's enterprise ecosystem.
• Stimulate entrepreneurial activity, support business growth and enable organisations to realise potential.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Governance & risk management

Budget management

Performance reporting

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Enterprise Development

WHO WE ARE?

We are a unique all island economic development agency with over 25 years’ experience of supporting thousands of SMEs, with a deep and practical understanding of how to help businesses address challenges and take advantage of new growth opportunities.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Programme Manager to lead the design, delivery, governance and evaluation of a portfolio of strategically important enterprise development programmes available to businesses based across the island of Ireland.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a senior member of the team, you will ensure that programmes are delivered effectively, demonstrate measurable impact, and align with InterTradeIreland's Corporate Plan and strategic priorities. A key aspect of the role will be the management of complex stakeholder relationships and partnerships across the all-island enterprise ecosystem, ensuring successful delivery and positive programme outcomes.

Primarily your role will focus on stimulating entrepreneurial activity across all sectors, supporting business growth and innovation, and enabling organisations to realise their potential through entrepreneurial thinking and capability development. As Programme Manager, you will play a pivotal role in identifying emerging opportunities and challenges, shaping programme responses, and fostering an environment where start-ups, scale-ups and established businesses can thrive.

Further expectations of this exciting role are detailed in the Job description.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

We have big ambitions, and we want you to help shape our future. Join our team and support the growth of economic development on the island of Ireland.

In return for your contribution, you will be rewarded with:

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time and a mix of office and remote working.
• A progressive environment that will support your professional growth and personal development.
• Family friendly policies with a focus on health and wellbeing.
• An inclusive working environment with colleagues who are committed to our core values of being flexible, supportive and honest.

THE IDEAL PERSON WILL HAVE:

• A degree or equivalent third level qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience managing strategic programmes or initiatives within an economic development, enterprise, innovation or public sector environment.
• Significant experience leading complex programmes from design through to implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement, including governance, risk management, budget management and performance reporting.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience proactively managing and effectively leading a team of direct reports, with the ability to plan and organise work to achieve results within tight deadlines, focusing on priorities and objectives with a clear sense of direction.

Further criteria for this role are detailed in the Job description.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 14th October 2026 @ 1.00pm.