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


Company:	HIJOBS
Salary:	£47,389 - £56,535
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Aberdeen, AB24 5AX
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	26 Aug 2026
Closing date:	24 Sept 2026

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Summary

Robert Gordon University seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead the Entrepreneurial Islands Network across Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Islesa 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.

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