Innovation Lead
Innovation Lead
ORE Catapult - Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
Aberdeen, Glasgow or Blyth, United Kingdom
As an Innovation Lead, you will lead the development of new programmes and projects to enhance ORE Catapult’s SME support offerings. Working collaboratively with the Senior Technology Acceleration Manager, you will identify opportunities to grow existing initiatives and create new ones. You will be responsible for delivering the annual national and regional Launch Academy cohorts, supported by Project Management, and contributing to the strategic growth of ORE Catapult's SME services.
You will actively seek opportunities to expand and develop the Launch Academy Programme at both national and regional levels. This includes building strategic partnerships to amplify the programme’s impact and enhancing the pool of mentors. As a line manager, you will oversee the Innovation Manager, who handles the day-to-day delivery of Launch Academy cohorts.
Additionally, you will collaborate with the Strategic and Emerging Technology (SET) Project Management Team, Innovation Manager, Analysis and Insights team, and Engineering teams to ensure the successful delivery of Launch Academy programmes, resolving any issues that arise. You’ll lead the creation of a robust Launch Academy alumni network, new programmes, innovation challenges, and joint industry projects. Furthermore, you will explore and develop opportunities to support innovative SMEs within the Offshore Renewables Supply Chain, including through commercial research and development bid
What will I do?
As a key member of our team, you will lead the governance of the annual national and regional Launch Academy cohorts, ensuring consistency and excellence across the project. You’ll drive continuous improvement by identifying, planning, and implementing enhancements to maximise the programme's impact on its alumni. Reporting on impact is a critical part of our work, and you will ensure alignment with corporate strategy, overseeing the integration of Launch Academy outcomes into our corporate reports. Acting as the lead contact for the programme portfolio and innovation challenges, you will collaborate with internal and external sponsors and partners to support business development.
You will develop and implement strategies to enhance the financial sustainability of the programme and write proposals to secure additional funding or sponsorship. Your role will also include creating processes and systems to measure KPIs effectively and manage SME portfolios. Additionally, you will spearhead the creation of new initiatives under the Launch Academy brand, such as entrepreneurs in residence, incubators, and joint industry programmes, to identify and support high-growth, innovation-driven enterprise
What are we looking for?
Essential
- Experience working in the Offshore Renewable Energy Industry or an equivalent industry (e.g. Oil & Gas);
- Experience working in/with SMEs and understanding how SMEs work and their associated challenges;
- Understanding of the Offshore Renewables UK Supply Chain and opportunities that exist for SMEs;
- Degree in a relevant subject, engineering, project management, renewable energy, environment studies or equivalent experience;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with all levels of stakeholders (internal and external);
- Experience in negotiating and managing commercial contracts.
Desirable
- Project management experience;
- Knowledge of finance, funding and investment for SMEs;
- Strong track record in leading the development of programmes for SMEs;
- You should understand technology development and innovation management, with an especially strong understanding of the barriers faced by early-stage technology companies.
Your Qualifications
- A degree in a relevant subject (e.g. engineering, business, finance) or have equivalent experience;
- A professionally recognised project management qualification (desirable).
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