Job Description

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Description

The role will include helping to drive knowledge transfer between the science and technology base and industry, promoting networking and stimulating innovation relevant to industrial applications of advanced materials.

The post will be varied, working with businesses across multitude of sectors, providing technical capability to help UK industry to create economic value by innovating with advanced materials, with a focus on opportunities driven by key strategic programmes such as commercialisation of advanced materials, developments in batteries and sustainable critical materials. An analytical mind, understanding of how supply chains work, experience of specifying advanced materials for industrial applications or the ability to put together compelling business cases for growth are essential.


The role sits within Innovate UK Business Connect's Materials and Manufacturing team. Our core purpose is to connect innovators with new partners and to develop new opportunities in a collaborative effort. The team is dedicated to identifying and supporting the development of sustainable cutting-edge, cross-sector technologies, world-class design processes and new business models that have the potential to transform the UK's economy and society. We work closely with businesses, academia, policy makers, regulators, and other innovation partners to provide expertise, connections to help turn game-changing ideas into successful commercial products and services, and access to funding and investment opportunities.

On a day-to-day basis, you will work with other team members to engage with high-growth businesses to understand their innovation needs and direct them towards public and private finance, potential commercial and academic partners, and other opportunities to support their growth. You will contribute to Innovate UK Business Connect's success, working with colleagues on cross-sector collaboration projects, capturing and reporting KPI achievements.###

Roles & Responsibilities

Identify and monitor trends, drivers and opportunities for innovation in the industrial application of advanced materials through interaction with business, the technology base and investors. Develop and maintain knowledge of potential high growth businesses in or able to exploit advanced materials. Prepare future work programmes for advanced materials in agreement with stakeholders and team members, working with industry to identify their needs and capabilities. Ensure that industry is aware of the funding opportunities available for research and innovation involving advanced materials. Facilitate networking opportunities for industry to meet with peers and potential collaborators. Actively promote opportunities and relevant activities in advanced materials through various media. Reach out to individual businesses, research institutions and universities, mainly within the UK, to understand their R&D needs and innovation capabilities. Work within the Innovate UK Business Connect structure in a flexible manner, e.g. take part in joint activities with colleagues in other teams. Track outcomes resulting from Innovate UK Business Connect interventions, seeking case studies and success stories. Support KPI delivery and provide regular reporting of activity and outcomes. Develop and maintain knowledge of potential high growth businesses in or able to exploit advanced functional materials and systems. Promote diversity and inclusion both within Innovate UK Business Connect and across engaged sectors.


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Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

Technical qualification (PhD or equivalent) and experience in Advanced Materials. Technical or research experience in one or more of the focused areas of sustainable advanced materials, materials for demanding environments and for energy generation and storage. Experience facilitating conversations and workshops to deliver meaningful outcomes. Practical experience in using analytical tools to gather and analyse supply chain and market data. Need to demonstrate good understanding of market drivers and trends.

Desirable Experience

Understanding of the importance of networks. Awareness of knowledge transfer or business analysis and development processes would be beneficial. Experience in the private sector.

Skills

Good writing and presentation skills, with ability to translate complex topics for a broad audience. Highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with a strong desire to deliver economic and societal impacts through collaborative partnerships. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and build effective relationships. Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open, honest, and diverse environment. High level of IT literacy and competent use of social media to deliver key messages and information.


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Benefits & how to apply

This role is Grade 5 - the salary will be 35,926 to 42,000 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays Enhanced Pension Plan (up to 10% employer contribution) Life Assurance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work Scheme Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme
This advert will close on Friday 15th August.


First stage interviews w/c 18th August.



Second stage interviews w/c 8th September.


Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.


Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.



This role requires employees to

complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.


Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.


We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.


If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.###

About Innovate UK Business Connect

We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.



Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking - accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.



The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.



Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.



While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.