Location: Kilkeel, Northern Ireland (Hybrid – 60% office-based, 40% remote)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Commensurate with experience and reviewed annually
Closing date: 26th October 2026
Join the team supporting Northern Ireland’s fishing industry
The Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Business Manager to join our team. Reporting directly to the CEO, this newly created role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of Northern Ireland’s most important and historic industries.
Working closely with the CEO and Finance and Quota Manager, you will support the delivery of NIFPO’s strategic objectives while ensuring our members receive high-quality support, advice and representation. This is a varied role combining technical analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management and business development, with the opportunity to make a real impact on the sustainability and long-term success of the fishing sector.
About the role
As Business Manager, you will work with fishermen, government departments, industry bodies, researchers and other key stakeholders to support sustainable fisheries management and advocate on behalf of our members.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Analysing complex scientific, technical and policy information to assess its impact on the fishing industry and develop appropriate responses.
- Building strong relationships with members across Northern Ireland’s fishing communities and ensuring they receive excellent value from NIFPO membership.
- Supporting the Finance and Quota Manager in business development and wider fisheries management issues.
- Representing NIFPO and advocating for members’ interests at meetings with government officials, politicians, academics and industry partners across the UK.
- Identifying and developing public relations opportunities that promote the work and achievements of NIFPO.
- Supporting strong governance and effective management across NIFPO and its subsidiary businesses.
- Identifying grant funding opportunities and managing externally funded projects from application through to delivery.
- Contributing to the ongoing development and success of the organisation.
About you
We are looking for someone who combines scientific knowledge with practical experience of the seafood or fishing industry.
Essential requirements include:
- A degree in a relevant discipline (such as Biology, Marine Science or Environmental Science) or equivalent experience working in the industry.
- At least three years’ experience working within a leadership role in the fishing or seafood industry, ideally in Northern Ireland.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex technical information for presentation to a variety of audiences.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience of sourcing and managing grant-funded projects.
- Knowledge of fisheries management and UK fisheries policy.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Full driving licence valid in Northern Ireland and access to a vehicle as well as the right to work in the UK.
Desirable:
- Practical seagoing training or qualifications (such as Sea Survival).
- Experience of working within a membership organisation or representative body.
Working arrangements
This is a hybrid role based from our office in Kilkeel, with approximately 60% office-based working and 40% remote working.
Regular travel throughout Northern Ireland is required, along with occasional travel to Great Britain and further afield to attend meetings and industry events.
Salary and benefits
We offer:
- Competitive starting salary which will be discussed at interview, reviewed annually.
- Company pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
- The opportunity to work at the heart of a vital and evolving industry, helping to shape its sustainable future.
About NIFPO
Founded in 1975, the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) represents the largest proportion of fishermen in Northern Ireland, with members based across all Northern Ireland fishing ports and a growing membership throughout England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
Representing approximately 150 vessels, from small inshore potting boats to large pelagic vessels, NIFPO provides a wide range of services including quota management, fisheries representation, health and safety training, crew recruitment and business support.
NIFPO also operates chandlery stores in Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel, alongside subsidiary businesses delivering maritime training, HR support for overseas crew recruitment and offshore vessel services.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting the future of the fishing industry and want to play a key role in representing and strengthening one of Northern Ireland’s most important sectors, we’d love to hear from you.
You can find full details of the role in the linked Job Description. You can apply by submitting your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience matches the requirements of the role as well as your salary expectations to info@nifpo.co.uk by the 26th October 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Shortlisted applicants will be called for interview with dates to be confirmed in November 2026.
