Knowledge Transfer Manager – AgriFood (maternity cover)

The AgriFood sector in the UK contributes over £150 billion to the economy annually and employs 4.2 million people. Innovation is crucial to ensure success in the sector, and to deliver food security and sustainability. We are looking to recruit a new team member who can enhance our deep expertise and powerful connections to drive positive change in this important industry sector. The successful candidate will work across a portfolio of important AgriFood innovation projects, including supporting delivery of Agri-Tech focussed activities at Innovate UK.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join us in driving innovation within the AgriFood sector. The role will facilitate business growth and help promote and drive knowledge transfer between the science and technology base and industry, promoting networking and accelerating innovation relevant to AgriFood businesses. You will help catalyse the development of new technology enabled products and processes that will benefit businesses, the economy, the environment and society.

The post will be varied, working with businesses across the AgriFood sector. Experience in the use of science and innovation within this sector is required.

Roles & Responsibilities

• To directly engage with AgriFood businesses supporting them to innovate and grow, by facilitating new connections and access to innovation funding/finance, displaying significant technical expertise and experience in these key areas.
• Leading/supporting delivery of large and complex projects and programmes of activity, such as supporting delivery of Agri-Tech focussed activities at Innovate UK, and the ongoing delivery of the Farming Innovation
• Programme in partnership with Innovate UK and Defra.
• Lead/manage activities to achieve project objectives, including organisation of events and meetings (both online and in person).
• Managing and motivating delivery teams, to ensure effective operational management, and cohesive delivery.
• Develop, maintain and monitor a broad network of strategically aligned contacts, strong stakeholder relationships, including via regular company engagement.
• Act as a network facilitator within and across key, strategic communities.
• Deliver key business metrics, and track progress, capturing outcomes and success stories and undertake reporting obligations in line with Innovate UK Business Connect goals for impact measurement.
• Engage across Innovate UK Business Connect to stimulate cross-sector collaboration and support/mentor colleagues.
• Identify and champion defined AgriFood areas of importance to the UK economy, or areas of emerging potential. Take responsibility for new and complex areas, scoping out the challenge and defining innovation support activities to meet a defined outcome.

Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

• A background in a relevant science, agriculture or related discipline is required to degree level, or equivalent experience.
• Experience at a technical, academic or business level with the agriculture sector, with knowledge and experience in a business-relevant field in the private sector desirable.
• Experience of delivering projects for external customers or working with industrial collaborators would be advantageous.
• An awareness of innovation facilitation, knowledge transfer or business development processes would be beneficial.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with the UK innovation ecosystem and a strong network across government, industry, research.

Essential Skills

• Highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with leadership qualities and experience.
• Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open and diverse environment.
• Strong communicator with well-developed written and verbal skills, able to translate complex topics for a broad audience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with and understand the needs and capabilities with stakeholders across a range of technical and/or industrial disciplines.
• Knowledgeable about the challenges and innovation opportunities in AgriFood.
• High level of IT literacy and organisational skills.

Benefits & how to apply

This is a Grade 4 role with a salary of £50,267 to £55,000 pa

• 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays
• Enhanced Pension PlanLife 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 8th May.

First stage interviews will be held w/c 18th May.

Second stage interviews will be held w/c 1st June.

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.