Network Facilitator/Programme Manager

The UK and Northern Ireland electrical sector is undergoing rapid transformation driven by electrification, renewable energy integration, grid modernisation, and increasing demand for skilled electrical installation, testing, and maintenance services. As the sector continues to expand—supported by major infrastructure investment, energy efficiency technologies, and the growth of associated industries—there is a critical need for coordinated industry collaboration, capability development, and strategic positioning to capture emerging global opportunities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the centre of the Electrical Network Group’s Cluster Acceleration Programme, supporting a diverse ecosystem of electrical contractors, manufacturers, utilities, academia, and government partners. The Network Facilitator will drive collaborative, commercially focused initiatives that enhance sector competitiveness, strengthen skills and competence frameworks, and support businesses in accessing new markets.

Role Overview

The Network Facilitator / Programme Manager will lead, coordinate, and deliver a portfolio of strategic initiatives across the Electrical Network Group. You will work closely with the ENG Steering Committee and key stakeholders to develop and implement programmes in areas such as:

• HV training and skills development
• Competence, authorisation, and accreditation frameworks
• Identification of high‑value sub‑markets and export opportunities
• Formation of collaborative bid teams for major tenders
• Industry–academia collaboration and innovation pathways
• Supply chain development and capability building

You will also support the formation and growth of business networks that can respond to current and future market opportunities, including international collaboration to drive global sales and competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network Development & Facilitation

• Establish, coordinate, and manage the Electrical Network Group and its associated working groups.
• Develop operating procedures, governance structures, and Terms of Reference aligned with the project plan.
• Build strong relationships with businesses, academia, government agencies, and multinational partners.
• Facilitate collaboration between members to address shared challenges and pursue commercial opportunities.
• Develop the annual ENG project plan and secure Steering Committee approval.
• Manage the delivery of all programme activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Coordinate focus groups, technical working groups, and specialist sub‑committees.
• Monitor progress, manage risks, and ensure delivery within agreed timelines and budgets.

3. Market & Opportunity Development

• Identify emerging market opportunities across the electrical, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
• Support businesses in forming collaborative bid teams for large-scale tenders.
• Map sub‑markets and niche opportunities relevant to NI’s electrical sector capabilities.
• Facilitate engagement with international networks, trade bodies, and potential partners.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Maintain effective communication channels across the network, including formal and informal mechanisms.
• Liaise with government agencies, training providers, universities, and industry bodies.
• Develop and implement a public relations and stakeholder engagement strategy.
• Represent the ENG at events, conferences, and industry forums.

5. Events, Workshops & Knowledge Sharing

• Organise and deliver workshops, seminars, and industry events in line with the project plan.
• Capture insights from events and translate them into actionable recommendations.
• Produce high‑quality reports, briefing papers, benchmarking studies, and market intelligence outputs.

Reporting & Governance

• Provide regular progress updates to the ENG Steering Committee and Invest NI.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements, KPIs, and funding conditions.
• Maintain accurate documentation, records, and audit trails.
• Proven experience in programme or project management within industry, engineering, energy, or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of the electrical industry, energy systems, or infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build networks, facilitate collaboration, and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience organising and delivering workshops, events, or industry forums.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate insights into action.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver to deadlines.
• Experience in cluster development, innovation networks, or industry‑academia collaboration.
• Knowledge of HV/LV systems, competence frameworks, or asset management practices.
• Experience supporting businesses in market development, tendering, or export growth.
• Understanding of skills development, training frameworks, or workforce planning.
• Experience working with government agencies, funding bodies, or regulatory organisations.
• Proactive, commercially minded, and solutions‑focused.
• Strong facilitator with the ability to bring people together and drive consensus.
• Confident communicator capable of engaging at all levels—from SMEs to multinationals.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and capable of managing complex programmes.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and able to navigate diverse stakeholder interests.
• Passionate about supporting industry growth, innovation, and skills development.

What This Role Offers

• A unique opportunity to shape the future of the NI electrical sector.
• High‑level engagement with industry leaders, government, and academia.
• The chance to influence strategic initiatives with long‑term regional impact.
• A dynamic, varied role with significant autonomy and visibility.

Interview Structure

• Welcome & Overview – 5 minutes
• Close & next steps – 5 minutes

Core Competencies & Sample Questions

• Tell us about a complex programme you managed. What was your role, and what outcomes did you deliver?
• Describe a time you had to manage competing priorities. How did you ensure delivery?

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation

• Give an example of when you brought together diverse stakeholders to achieve a shared goal.
• Describe a challenging stakeholder relationship you managed. What did you do?

3. Commercial Awareness & Market Insight

• Tell us about a time you identified a new market or business opportunity.
• How have you supported organisations to improve competitiveness or access new markets?

4. Communication & Influence

• Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex information to a non‑technical audience.
• Give an example of how you influenced a decision or gained buy‑in.

5. Problem‑Solving & Analysis

• Tell us about a time you analysed an issue and developed an actionable solution.
• Describe a situation where you had to make a recommendation based on incomplete information.

6. Event & Workshop Delivery

• Give an example of a successful event or workshop you organised. What made it effective?

7. Sector Knowledge (Electrical/Energy/Infrastructure)

• What do you see as the key opportunities and challenges for the NI electrical sector?
• How do you stay informed about developments in the energy and electrical industries?

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