Digital Business Advisor
A dynamic and independent business network is looking for an equally dynamic Digital Business Advisor to deliver a fixed term European Regional Development Funded project that will offer a bespoke and structured programme of business support and advice delivered across the whole of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. It will be aimed at encouraging businesses with real growth aspirations to explore and introduce new and emerging ICT products to their business to improve competitiveness, productivity and growth and will deliver:
1) A programme of technology-related awareness-raising seminars and full-day action planning workshops
2) An annual Digital Conference & Expo
3) Digital advice and support through a dedicated Business Adviser team and linked to a c£3.2m technology grant fund
4) Workforce development skills advice through a Digital Skills Adviser team with support brokered to local training provision
Project Details
The Digital Business Adviser is responsible for the professional delivery of strategic digital technology consultancy to SME’s who have the potential to grow by investing in technology solutions. The post holder will provide business process re-engineering advice and support within the digital environment. This position is fixed term and will run until June 2019.
Responsibilities and Duties
As Digital Business Advisor, you will report to the Digital Business Growth Programme Manager; have day-to-day liaison with the Grants and Finance Officer as well as day-to-day liaison with the Events and Engagement Officers.
Duties will include, but are not limited to:
• Provide a range of digital consultancy services including business process reviews, technology reviews, digital process re-engineering options and project management services
• Provide a specialist digital consultancy service to eligible businesses applying for technology grant funding and make recommendations by way of action plans to meet their needs when introducing or developing digital technology solutions
• To broker in a choice of providers with a proven track record to deliver the action plan and to act as a liaison point between companies and suppliers to demystifying jargon
• Promote the ICT suppliers directory via a specialized web portal and forge links and working relationships with relevant digital suppliers to assist local companies gain access to services
• Provide on-going support to SMEs prior to submission of a technology grant application
• Complete formal assessments of technology grant applications and make recommendations for approval to the grant panel
• Proactively promote the provision of service through agreed targets and recording activity and opportunities via the programme’s electronic management information systems
• Work closely with the Digital Business Growth Programme Manager to ensure effective delivery of support services provided
• Provide guidance and support to the Grant and Finance Officer as necessary
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with the wider Programme team employed by the Chamber and the programme partners and ensure a seamless customer journey and referral system is maintained at all times
• Provide information, advice and guidance to potential beneficiaries to assess the most suitable workshops available to meet the businesses’ current and future needs
• Ensure that eligibility to receive the provision of service is communicated effectively to potential beneficiaries and that the criteria is strictly adhered to
• Manage digital consultancy service referrals ensuring all pre and post information is delivered as per agreed schedules and is recorded via the programme’s electronic management information systems
• Identify, record and respond appropriately to any beneficiaries comments pertaining to consultancy delivery, communicated verbally or via feedback forms
• Support any other duties as requested by the Project Director and Digital Business Growth Programme Manager
Desired Skills and Experience
Knowledge
• Excellent knowledge of current digital business system solutions
• Knowledge of business support provision delivered across Leicestershire
• Knowledge of contractual procedures and audit requirements for the protection of public funds
• Knowledge of ERDF funding
Experience
• An accomplished business adviser is essential
• Must be able to demonstrate experience of managing digital services provision with a business context
• Proven operational management experience
• Proven track record of delivering project management services (within a digital environment)
• Experience of working with European funding
• Experience of working with a diverse range of businesses
Qualifications/Educational Requirements
Qualifications:
• SFEDI / ILM L5 Diploma in Business Support (or equivalent)
• Relevant technical certifications
• Project management
• Management qualification or equivalent by experience
Skills and Abilities:
• Strong desire for innovation and able to envision and gain agreement on workable value-adding business solutions
• Excellent organisational and administration skills
• Strong communication (written & oral skills)
• Strong drive for results and a high level of resilience
• Excellent facilitation and consultancy skills
• Highly motivated - can work as part of a team and independently
• Excellent report writing skills
• The ability to check eligibility documentation for accuracy
• High level of skill in Microsoft Office and Cloud based applications
Employing Company Overview and Profile
A dynamic and independent business network with links in every nation and region of the UK, and in key markets around the world. It is a leading commentator on the UK economy, drawing on a powerful network that represents business interests in Westminster, Brussels, and in every part of the UK. The company works to bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work, helping businesses find the talent they need, and boosting the career prospects of young people.
Additional Benefits Package and Incentives
Competitive salary + benefits
