Job opportunity with Innovation Super Network: Innovation Manager
Fixed-term contract, initially to December 2020, full-time or part-time
£40,000 pro rata per year plus pension
The Innovation SuperNetwork is a unique regional programme, helping to cultivate a stronger innovation eco-system in the North East of England and support innovative businesses. The programme works through a partnership of around 50 organisations, including the North East LEP, Innovate UK, North East BIC, Northumbrian Water, Reece Innovation, Engie, local universities and colleges, innovation support organisations and private businesses. The SuperNetwork is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The SuperNetwork includes:
High profile events to raise aspiration and innovation expertise amongst regional businesses;
An active access to finance programme to connect regional businesses with investors;
Coordination work to link up businesses with sources of expertise and support;
An open innovation programme, connecting regional businesses with innovation challenges posed by larger businesses and the public sector.
The programme will be expanding in 2018 to include support delivered through cluster organisations and business groups, ensuring that innovation support is available to a much wider range of businesses than can currently access it. In addition, we are working closely with partners on increasing the level of support available in the region for open and collaborative innovation projects.
The primary way we deliver innovation support activity is through Innovation Managers. These are highly experienced individuals with an in-depth understanding of innovation in practice. All have a relevant background (science, technology, engineering) combined with commercial experience. All are driven by a desire to see the region thrive through applied innovation.
The expansion in activity requires additional Innovation Managers to join the team. Some of these roles will be based in Sunderland as part of the central team, whilst others will be co-located with cluster organisations in the North East LEP’s themes of Advanced Manufacturing, Digital, Healthcare and Energy. Either way, the roles are high-profile, externally-focussed and bring the potential to have a huge impact on our region.
The ideal people to join us must have a strong understanding of innovation from first-hand experience. They must be able to spot opportunities for projects and be able to function effectively in a fast-moving, multi-stakeholder environment. Strong communication skills are essential and some experience of sales or account management would be useful in working with partner organisations. Knowledge of how innovation projects can be structured and financed is a bonus.
As there are a number of roles we plan to recruit in stages over the coming months. The deadlines for these stages are:
Stage 1 – 28th February 2018
Stage 2 – 31st March 2018
Stage 3 – 30th April 2018
It is possible that further stages will be added if required.
If this opportunity is for you, the first step is to forward your CV to elaine@supernetwork.org.uk.
Innovation Super Network is a valued member of Design Network North. Design Network North is part of RTC’s new programme called ‘Designing Better Business’ – launched in 2016 - which will provide support for north east businesses looking to continue to innovate and design better world leading products.
RTC was founded in 1989 with the sole purpose of helping businesses innovate and create new higher value products. Today, the business operates out of offices in Sunderland, Gateshead, Leeds and Daresbury and specialises in helping companies develop new products, embed new skills through training and access funding for innovation.
‘Designing Better Business’ is part funded by European Regional Development Fund, as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.