About Invest Northern Ireland

Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) is at the forefront of economic development, dedicated to accelerating growth by supporting businesses in increasing external sales and innovation. Our mission is to create high-quality jobs, boost productivity and skills, grow inward investment, and reduce carbon emissions. Our strategic priorities include boosting business investment, accelerating innovation and skills, driving global ambition, developing sustainability, and promoting places and partnerships.

As a global organisation with a Head Office in Belfast and a regional presence across Northern Ireland, Invest NI operates offices in 30 locations outside Northern Ireland, assisting local companies in expanding their export base and promoting Northern Ireland as a premier investment destination. As a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) of the Department for the Economy (DfE), we play a critical role in delivering DfE’s Economic Vision, the new Business Strategy, City & Growth Deals, and the recommendations of the Independent Review of Invest NI.

About the Role

Invest NI is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to join our Executive Committee. This role offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact Northern Ireland’s economy by leading business development functions and driving strategic initiatives.

The CCO will have primary responsibility for Invest NI’s business development function, leading the Domestic Enterprise Group and the Inward Investment Group to achieve annual business targets. This critical role involves developing Northern Ireland’s business growth, driving inward investment, and managing a diverse portfolio of existing client companies, both domestic and foreign.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Invest NI Board, the CCO will lead a team of over 200 people, covering domestic and international activities. They will manage and develop the overall portfolio of client companies, build a cross-sectoral pipeline of investment projects, and ensure the delivery of integrated value propositions and impactful client solutions. The CCO will also lead the Invest NI network of international offices, promoting Northern Ireland businesses and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

The role requires embedding Green Economy principles across all operations, supporting businesses in managing the transition to Net Zero, and ensuring compliance with governance, risk management, and accounting standards. The CCO will chair the new Business Development Committee (BDC) and spend approximately 25% of their time working in international markets.

About the Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant business degree (or equivalent) qualification and have experience in economic development, business growth, and inward investment and execution of a business development strategy including comprehensive and specialized business experience. They should have a successful track record of achieving substantial sales and new business development, including leading large-scale negotiations.

Candidates should have significant experience in leveraging financial knowledge in a sales environment to secure new business and grow existing business. They must demonstrate the ability to manage substantial budgets and build senior-level relationships to achieve significant business outcomes. Experience in assisting companies to achieve significant export success and a sound knowledge of exporting principles are essential.

The successful candidate will exhibit strong strategic awareness, leadership skills, and resource management capabilities. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary, as the role requires engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including national and international media. The ability to travel as required by the role is also necessary.

How to Apply

To apply, please click the 'Apply now' button below and submit your cover letter and CV. You are also required to send your completed application form (attached) through to ellie.barrett@berwickpartners.co.uk - without the application form, you will not be considered.

Candidates are also requested to complete an online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form as part of the application process. For more information on how we process your personal data, please review our privacy policy on our website.

For any queries or further information, please contact:

Marek Dobrowolski

+44 (0) 7793 529 576

marek.dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk

Corinne Attwood

+44 121 654 5954

Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk 

Join us at Invest Northern Ireland and play a pivotal role in shaping the economic future of Northern Ireland!