Manufacturing NI is seeking a Part-time Business Development Manager to represent the company in the E-DATA Programme.
E-DATA is a cross-border initiative funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by SEUPB, designed to accelerate digital adoption, innovation, and sustainability among SMEs across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland.
Led by Ulster University in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Innovate-NI, Sustainable NI, and Manufacturing NI, the programme aims to:
- Support 1,040 SMEs to enhance productivity, resilience, and competitiveness through digital transformation.
- Facilitate cross-border collaboration by establishing the E-DATA Collaborative Network — a shared innovation ecosystem connecting SMEs, academia, and industry.
- Provide mentoring and workshops that enable SMEs to explore technologies such as data analytics, automation, and carbon reduction systems.
- Develop and disseminate toolkits, case studies, and knowledge resources to embed learning and promote ongoing innovation.
- Contribute to climate resilience and sustainability goals, targeting a measurable 30% improvement in carbon performance among mentored SMEs.
E-DATA is structured into distinct Work Packages (WPs):
- WP1 – Business Support & Knowledge Transfer (Led by Innovate-NI): delivering SME workshops, mentoring, and toolkits.
- WP2 – Skills & Capacity Building (Led by Ulster University): building data and digital capabilities through training.
- WP3 – Innovation & Sustainability Pathways (Led by ATU and Sustainable NI): fostering green innovation and sectoral transition.
- WP4 – Management & Evaluation (Joint): ensuring effective coordination, compliance, and impact measurement.
Through these, E-DATA will promote a peaceful, prosperous, and digitally inclusive cross-border economy, aligning with PEACEPLUS’s objective of supporting sustainable growth and cooperation across the region.
Manufacturing NI is seeking a part-time Business Development Manager to support delivery of the E-DATA Collaborative Network. Working with the existing Business Development Manager, the post-holder will promote programme opportunities and support E-DATA Collaborative Network activity. The post will be contracted for six working days per month over 25 months.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the delivery of WP1 objectives, ensuring all outputs and milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
- Support key objectives and vision for E-DATA Collaborative Network.
- Conduct stakeholder engagement.
- Support outreach activities using targeted emails, webinars, and in person events to introduce the E-DATA Collaborative Network’s goals and benefits.
- Connect SMEs to expertise & funding opportunities.
- Facilitate cross-border partnerships.
- Promote digital & sustainable practices and wider E-DATA programme activities.
- Maintain accurate records for audit (attendance, evaluation, outputs).
- Monitor and report SME engagement, outputs, and satisfaction levels in line with SEUPB audit requirements.
- Contribute to periodic and final progress reports to SEUPB, support data collection for KPIs and reporting to the lead partner.
- Liaise with Ulster University, ATU, Sustainable NI, and Innovate NI to ensure cohesive cross-border delivery.
Essential criteria:
- A degree, or equivalent qualification, in business, communications, or another relevant subject.
- Experience supporting network or business activity, including content development.
- Proven communications, administrative and organisational skills.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, CRM systems, social media, and other marketing tools.
Desirable criteria
- Existing relationships across the manufacturing, SME, technology or business-support ecosystem.
- Experience supporting podcasts, video interviews, webinars, case studies or digital content.
- Experience using Adobe Creative Suite or other relevant tools.
- Availability to start in July 2026.
To apply for the role, please complete the following application form, and return it to the email in the application form by May 29th, at 12 noon. Interviews will take place on 4th June 2026.
Business Development Manager Application Form.
More information is found here: E-DATA Programme Synopsis