Investment And Development Manager

Reports to Position : Chief Executive Location : UHI House, Old Perth Road, Inverness with travel throughout the UK as required* Employment type : Permanent, full time* Hours : 40 Hours per week, Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm* with a paid lunch break of one hour Salary : £65,000 per annum (potential for negotiation subject to experience) Job posted date : 08/11/2024 Job closing date : 18/11/2024 *Flexible working options will be considered.
Our Organisation Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) is one of Scotland's two new Green Freeports.
The Green Freeport includes some of the country's best sheltered deepwater ports and is already attracting international inward investment interest.
Green Freeport status will maximise local and UK-wide benefits from a pipeline of green energy related projects focused mainly on offshore wind and hydrogen projects which will place the Highlands at the heart of the UK's energy transition ambitions.
The Board of ICFGF consists of mix of public and private organisations who aim to bring long term economic prosperity, well paid jobs and social benefits to the region.
We are a company limited by guarantee which is non-profit distributing, any surplus is retained and used for future operations.
We work hand in hand with the UK and Scottish Governments, and with Highland Council who act as "accountable body" for the ICFGF to oversee proper governance and financial management.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value integrity, inclusion, and equality.
Job Objective As the Investment and Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving investment projects and development initiatives to support the strategic goals of Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport.
You will be responsible for identifying investment opportunities, managing project portfolios, and fostering partnerships to facilitate sustainable development and growth within the region.
The ICFGF team consists of a small core team, but day to day cooperation with a wider group of partners is key to how the Green Freeport operates.
The core hours of this role are Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm, based at UHI House, Inverness, however the role will involve occasional travel through the UK and beyond to pursue inward investment.
Attendance at evening events and conferences will also be a requirement of the role, but we are happy to discuss flexible working patterns.
Benefits 30 days holiday allowance, with incremental increases based on length of service.
Holiday carry over of 5 days per year permitted.
Company sick pay.
AIG Life Assurance scheme.
Enhanced maternity, paternity and statutory leave pay.
Company Pension scheme.
Corporate discount.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities Investment Strategy Develop and implement investment strategies aligned with the goals and objectives of Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport.
Work with partners both locally and at Scottish and UK levels to attract and secure trade and investment for operators with the ICFGF area.
Identify potential investment opportunities in key sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, green technology, and life sciences.
Undertake appraisals to assess the viability and potential returns of investment projects, and present written appraisals to the ICFGF Board if required.
Take the lead in identifying and appraising investment projects to build the capacity of the ICFGF area economically and socially.
Funding for such projects will come from various sources including the "Non-Domestic Rate fund".
Where required represent ICFGF and its partners at trade exhibitions and other forums to raise the ICFGF's profile and investment opportunities.
Project Management Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on joint initiatives to support ICFGF aims.
Provide regular updates and reports on project progress, milestones, and key performance indicators to senior management and stakeholders.
Partnership Development Cultivate strategic partnerships with ICFGF landholders, investors, developers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate investment and development opportunities.
Negotiate investment agreements, joint ventures, and other partnership arrangements to support project financing and implementation.
Collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to ensure projects align with sustainable development goals and community needs.
Risk Management Identify and assess potential risks and challenges associated with investment projects and develop mitigation strategies to minimise risks and optimise project outcomes.
Monitor regulatory, economic, and market trends that may impact investment decisions and project feasibility.
Operations Support communications and marketing activity.
Support colleagues in developing trainees / graduate placement when required.
Support the creation of policy and procedures where required.
Working Relationships Collaborate with other members of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport team, Board, leadership and colleagues and develop and maintain effective external relationships which will support the strategic vision of the organisation.
Interface with external stakeholders, partners, and vendors to build and maintain positive relationships.
The ICF Green Freeport team will not retain a large staff number (under 10) so the post holder will play an important role in how the business is run on a day-to-day basis, ensuring continual compliance.
This will be an outward facing role, and on occasion you will be asked to represent the ICFGF at a local and national level.
Experience Qualification Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
Relevant professional certifications are preferred but not essential.
Skills and Aptitudes Proven experience in inward investment management, project development, or a related field, preferably in the infrastructure, renewable energy, or sustainable development sectors.
Strong financial analysis skills, with the ability to evaluate investment opportunities, perform financial modelling, and assess risk-return profiles.
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under tight deadlines.
Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of investment practices, financing mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks related to public and private investment.
Experience in public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with office management software and cloud-based filing systems.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
A knowledge of the ICFGF region's economic and social strengths/weaknesses is desirable but not essential.
Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership over responsibilities.
A full, clean drivers' licence and access to own transport is preferred however we are welcome to discuss flexible working options and applications from those of all abilities.
Additional Information You should apply for this post by providing your CV and a Covering Letter to Kim Hunter at HR Dept Highlands and Moray via e-mail: ******.
Please call Kim on 01463 548129 for further information.
The post will close at midnight on 18 th  November 2024.
Interviews are proposed for 27 th  and 28 th  November 2024, subject to change.
Job Description: Investment and Development Manager