Knowledge Transfer Manager – Water & Energy (FTC March 2027)

Innovate UK Business Connect is looking for a personable and results-driven individual with a technical background in water systems or energy systems, with the willingness to develop their understanding of the water sector. This is a fantastic opportunity for a full-time fixed term contract within our dedicated Clean Energy and Built Environment team. The individual will also work closely with the Net Zero team.

The Clean Energy and Built Environment team is at the forefront of driving the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. We partner with businesses and innovators across the energy and built environment sectors, accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that facilitate the clean energy transition. We cover various technical areas, including energy systems, renewable energy generation, nuclear energy, energy distribution and storage, industrial decarbonisation, modern construction techniques, sustainable materials for construction, large-scale infrastructure and water networks.

In this role, you will lead Innovate UK Business Connect’s delivery of the high-profile Ofwat Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge and the Cross Sector Water Innovation Network (CSWIN).

The £40m, 5-year, Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge will deliver mutual benefit between water and other stakeholder sectors such as agriculture, energy and manufacturing, driving collaborative innovation projects that support business growth, while working to influence policy and regulatory reform.

CSWIN is a collaborative, cross-sectoral community of water-conscious innovators, supply chain actors, and end-users, funded by Ofwat and delivered by Innovate UK Business Connect to accelerate sustainable growth, drive mutual value, and shape a smarter, more resilient water future.

This role will also involve working across Clean Energy and Built Environment programmes, primarily the Innovation Exchange (iX) programme. iX fast-tracks knowledge transfer nationwide by leveraging our network to match industry challenges with innovative solutions.

We’re looking for a team player who excels in interpersonal interactions, collaborating with colleagues across various sector teams and different parts of the organisation. With exceptional communication skills, you should feel confident engaging with a wide array of stakeholders from industry, research, regulators and government, ideally bringing some existing contacts within these groups. Strong organisational abilities and a solid grasp of project management principles are also essential.

The ideal candidate will possess a technical background with expertise in water or energy sectors, with an awareness of the interdependencies between sectors. Experience within one of the identified sectors would be a significant advantage.

Roles & Responsibilities

• In collaboration with Clean Energy and Net Zero team colleagues, lead the delivery of the Ofwat Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge and the Cross Sector Water Innovation Network.
• Contribute to the ongoing delivery of the Innovation Exchange initiative.
• Help establish and maintain a vibrant and engaged community of innovators in the UK, within the specific target sectors or technology areas.
• Work directly with companies, facilitating new connections and collaborations as well as providing access to funding and investment opportunities.
• Encourage businesses to engage with UK research and innovation assets, including Catapults and Research Centres, and connect with business communities through our networks and development projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including conducting regular company visits.
• Deliver key business metrics as agreed with the line manager, track progress, and capture outcomes and success stories.
• Assist in organising key programme activities and events relevant to industry sectors or strategic technologies.
• Facilitate networking within and across various communities.
• Engage with Innovate UK Business Connect to stimulate collaboration across sectors and support colleagues.
• Fulfil reporting obligations aligned with Innovate UK Business Connect goals for impact measurement.
• Seek out new opportunities that can support specific projects and future initiatives.

Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

• Degree level or equivalent technical background in water systems (built and/or natural) or energy systems.
• Experience working with, and an understanding of, the water or energy sectors.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in project management
• Experience in delivering technical communication, both written and verbal

Desirable Experience

• Demonstrably active and engaged within the innovation and sector landscape.
• Awareness of government policies, research, and innovation strategies.

Skills

• Adaptability and openness to work in new emerging business niches and across other relevant business sectors.
• Results-oriented and demonstrated delivery capability, including for complex projects.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively across multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders, explaining complicated matters simply.
• High level of IT literacy.

Benefits & how to apply

• This is a Grade 5 role with a salary of £40,000 to £42,893 pa
• 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays
• Enhanced Pension Plan
• 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 is a fixed term contract until 26th March 2027.

This advert will close on Monday 23rd February.

First stage interviews will be held w/c 9th March.

Second stage interviews will be held in person in our London office w/c 23rd March.

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.

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email at 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.