Development manager - Caithness and Sutherland

Job summary

Manage relationships with a portfolio of local clients, identify and coordinate suitable support, and help businesses achieve sustainable growth. Develop and oversee projects, work with partners and funders, and contribute to economic and community development activities, events, and programmes.

Job details

Position: Development manager Location: Thurso or Golspie Starting salary: £37,989 per annum. Potential salary progression to £42,947 per annum. Excellent pension and benefits package. Contract/hours: Permanent, full-time, 35 hours per week The role We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative development manager to join our Caithness and Sutherland area team, helping local businesses and other clients realise their growth ambitions and supporting sustainable economic development across the area. As a key member of the team, you will develop strong relationships with a portfolio of clients across Caithness and Sutherland, understanding their challenges, opportunities and ambitions for sustainable growth. You will identify and coordinate appropriate HIE products, services and wider sources of support, working closely with colleagues, sector teams and partner organisations. You will support clients to progress fair work and net zero outcomes through routine client and project discussions, and develop, appraise and manage a portfolio of projects in line with HIE governance and assurance requirements. You will also build productive relationships with project partners and key funders, contribute to economic and community development partnership activity, and help deliver business, sector and regional development events and programmes. The person You’ll bring client-facing experience from a private, public or third sector organisation, together with experience of managing competing priorities, working to deadlines and operating in an environment with high standards of governance and accountability. You’ll be a strong communicator with the confidence to build effective relationships, influence others and work collaboratively. You’ll also have a proactive, solution-focused approach, sound analytical and financial appraisal skills, and a keen interest in business and economic development. See The Job Description And Person Specification. How to apply To apply please complete our online application form. Online application form Job reference: 1157 Closing date: Wednesday 28 October 2026 Interviews: w/c 2 November 2026

What you’ll do

Manage relationships with a portfolio of local clients, identify and coordinate suitable support, and help businesses achieve sustainable growth. Develop and oversee projects, work with partners and funders, and contribute to economic and community development activities, events, and programmes.

Requirements

Applicants should have client-facing experience in the private, public, or third sector and experience managing competing priorities and deadlines in a highly accountable environment. They should be strong communicators and collaborators with analytical and financial appraisal skills, a proactive approach, and an interest in business and economic development.

Benefits

• Pension

Listed skills

• Client Relationship Management · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Business development · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Prioritization · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Client Relationship Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Project Management
• Economic Development
• Business Development
• Financial Appraisal
• Analytical Skills
• Communication
• Influencing
• Collaboration
• Prioritization
• Governance and Assurance
• Sustainable Development
• Fair Work
• Net Zero

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Government & Public Sector
• Consulting
• Environmental & Sustainability