Programme Manager - Islands Entrepreneurial Network TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal (18 months)

Job Summary

Robert Gordon University seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead the Entrepreneurial Islands Network across Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles—a key component of the TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal. Following the successful completion of year one this initiative, now commencing its second year of a three-and-a-half-year programme, aims to support economic growth by creating new business ventures, jobs, and delivering practical entrepreneurial programmes and events. The Programme Manager will be responsible for meeting the KPIs / objectives of the programme on time and within budget.

Working alongside the Island communities and key stakeholders such as the three local authorities, entrepreneurs, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Business Gateway, UHI, Herriot Watt, DYW and local businesses, the Programme Manager plays a crucial role in driving economic, social and cultural development within the Island groups. Their responsibilities include planning and delivering a portfolio of programmes as outlined in the TalEntEd work package of the Scottish Government Islands Growth Deal, including a Startup accelerator, Masterclasses, a Creative Entrepreneurship programme, TIDES - a 60+ programme and Mothers in Business programme.

The individual will be responsible for managing a team of two part-time Island-based coordinators and a part-time administrator and will be willing to travel between islands as well as to RGU in Aberdeen, as required, as well as work unsocial hours for events and programmes to meet the needs of the entrepreneurs. They will work directly with the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Group at RGU, reporting into the Director of Research, Innovation & Enterprise at RGU.

The role would suit an individual with an entrepreneurial spirit who demonstrates drive and determination and a bias for action. Local knowledge is essential, and a working knowledge of the Gaelic language would be an advantage, and a valid driving licence and access to a car would be beneficial.

While Western Isles has been identified as the preferred location for the Programme Manager, consideration will be given to exceptional candidates residing in Shetland or Orkney. This role is offered on a fixed term basis for 18 months, inline with TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal. It may be available as a secondment opportunity, please speak to your current employer to discuss this in the first instance.

If you would like an informal chat about the role before applying, please contact Chris Moule, Director of Research, Innovation & Enterprise on 07855 277742.

To apply please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role as set out in the requirements of the person specification.

Interviews will take place online between 6-8 October.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work from home for a portion of the working week and also benefit from a generous pension scheme, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days), as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits. 

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

As per the UKVI immigration rules, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship under this route is dependent on factors specific to the applicant and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Research, Innovation & Enterprise

RESPONSIBLE FOR: 2 x Project Coordinators and 1 x Administrator

PURPOSE OF POST: The RGU Islands Deal Programme Manager will be responsible for meeting the KPIs / objectives of the Talented Islands Deal Growth Programme (WP2 Entrepreneurship) programme - on time and within budget.

Working alongside the Director of Research, Innovation & Enterprise – and wider RGU community – as well as island communities and key stakeholders such as HIE, Business Gateway, UHI, Heriot Watt, DYW and the local authorities and businesses, the RGU Islands Deal Programme Manager will plays a crucial role in driving economic, social and cultural development within the Island groups.

Due to the nature of the work activities there will be a requirement, on occasion, for the Programme Manager to work some evenings and weekends as operationally required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Programme/Project Planning & Delivery

• Implement, and refine a comprehensive annual project plan that aligns with the wider TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal objectives.

• Oversee the project lifecycle, including timeline creation, task delegation, and milestone tracking.

• Manage project budgets effectively, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely adjustments as needed.

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks, adapting strategies to keep the programme on track.

• Monitor progress and produce regular status reports for senior management and funders.

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including meeting minutes, deliverables, and lessons learned.

Operational Management

• Manage day-to-day operations with high standards of efficiency, productivity, and quality.

• Coordinate key activities across multiple sites to ensure programme deliverables meet scope, budget, and schedule requirements.

• Implement continuous improvement processes to address evolving programme needs and enhance its effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Development

• Build and nurture strong relationships with local authorities, businesses, community leaders, and partner organisations, including other Growth Deal programmes.

• Tailor engagement strategies to reflect each island’s unique cultural, historical, and social context.

• Facilitate inclusive events, workshops, and networking opportunities to encourage active community involvement in entrepreneurial activities.

• Communicate effectively and transparently with all stakeholders, adapting language and style to foster trust and collaboration.

Team Leadership & Line Management

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of part-time island-based coordinators and an administrator, ensuring clarity in objectives and roles.

• Set and track performance targets, providing timely feedback, guidance, and coaching to support professional growth.

• Encourage a positive team culture that values innovation and collaboration.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and identify training opportunities to enhance team effectiveness.

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Degree or equivalent work experience in business, entrepreneurship, project management related studies.

Knowledge

Understanding of community development in rural areas.

Strong demonstrable knowledge of project management, and delivery.

Budgeting and financial management.

Understanding of relationship management with complex and varying stakeholders.

Appreciation of the startup / entrepreneurial eco-system across Scotland.

Working knowledge and competence in using Microsoft 365 packages and other applications.

Experience

Proven experience managing complex projects from initiation to completion.

Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.

Clear and concise communication, both written and verbal – including effective report writing.

Flexibility to adjust to changing project requirements and priorities.

Strong leadership and team management abilities, to motivate and encourage performance and effectiveness.

Working with rural communities, ideally within the UK or similar contexts.

 

DESIRABLE REQUIRMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Degree or equivalent experience in business, entrepreneurship, project management related studies.

Knowledge

Effective project management skills

Knowledge of entrepreneurial education

Knowledge of entrepreneurial eco-system across Scotland including key stakeholders and policy

Working knowledge of working with Scottish Government funded projects / growth deals

Working knowledge of Gaelic.

Experience

Line management experience.

Working with rural communities, local authorities and micro-businesses

Working with Higher educational institutions.

Experience of community engagement, stakeholder engagement and capacity building.

Entrepreneurial experience / owner/manager or self-employed.

Working with Learning Management Systems and CRMs

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner.

Behaviour 2: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships, leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest and leading and building external networks to enhance the work of the organisation.

Behaviour 3: Service Delivery - Experience of exploring and adapting a service to meet customers’ expectations and also identifying ways of improving standards.

Behaviour 4: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others.

Behaviour 5: Teaching and Learning Support - Experience of providing standard information or delivering teaching or training, designing content or learning materials within existing frameworks and developing innovative approaches to learning experience and the curriculum.