Innovation Manager
Working across North East England
Hours between 22.5 and 37.5 (with flexible working possible)
3 days per week with the Dynamo IT cluster and up to 2 days per week in a wider innovation support role
Fixed-term contract to 31 March 2021
£35,000 – £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 is expanding 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.
Background to Dynamo
Dynamo has various specialisms/focus areas including cyber, BIM, skills, shared services, professional and FinTech. Dynamo plans to grow these specialisms and the activity with businesses in each over the coming months and years. The SuperNetwork is working with Dynamo to develop and lead the strategy and delivery plan for selected specialisms and to ensure strong engagement in those specialisms across the North East tech sector, particularly with small and medium sized businesses.
With this in mind, we require an additional Innovation Manager to join the team. This role will be co-located with Dynamo and is high-profile, externally-focussed and brings the potential to have a huge impact on our region.
The ideal person 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.
The key responsibilities of the role are to work with Dynamo to deliver innovation support to businesses and build capacity around innovation in relevant specialisms. Given the emphasis on working with the IT sector, knowledge and experience in the sector is important for this role.
If this opportunity is for you, the first step is to forward your CV to elaine@supernetwork.org.uk by Friday 28th September. Interviews are planned for the 9th and 10th of October.
