About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an International Ecosystem Product Specialist to join Oxford Innovation Advice for up to 18 months on a secondment to Innovate UK - councils/innovate-uk/.
The role will focus on helping innovation-driven UK businesses expand internationally by leveraging Innovate UK Business Growth's expert-led capabilities. The post holder will collaborate with the Innovation Lead (International Ecosystem) and International Ecosystem Manager to develop and deliver support for UK businesses entering global markets. They will also work with delivery partners and Innovation & Growth Specialists (IGS) to ensure consistent and strategic support across services, aligning with Innovate UK's Business Growth goals. Additionally, the role involves close collaboration with Product Specialists in Innovation Management, Investment Readiness, and Scaleup.
Location: UK-wide. The role will involve some travel around the country and possibly abroad. Innovate UK's HQ is in Swindon and the team often meets in central London.
The role is full-time but part-time can be considered.
Main areas of responsibility
- Oversee the day-to-day management of internationalisation initiatives as part of the Innovate UK Business Growth offer.
- Support the Innovation Lead in ensuring that Innovate UK Business Growth's internationalisation efforts, including the Enterprise Europe Network, are impactful and fit for purpose.
- Manage internal stakeholders, such as Domain and Global teams, addressing challenges and ensuring their full engagement in supporting delivery.
- Assist in managing the governance of Innovate UK Business Growth's internationalisation support.
- Support budget management and financial due diligence, obtaining necessary approvals and navigating stage gate processes with relevant stakeholders.
- Collect insights and generate reports to track service delivery and international engagement, in collaboration with the Innovate UK Business Growth Service Operations team.
- Implement process improvements to enhance resource efficiency.
- Provide secretariat support for meetings, such as the Community of Practice Internationalisation, as needed.
- Support ad-hoc project work as directed by the Innovate UK Business Growth senior team.
Job related skills and Experience
Essential
- Considerable experience of managing or playing a key role in delivering products and services achieving impact
- A clear-track record of working within the constraints of time, cost and quality
- Clear experience of achieving results through influencing skills rather than direct control
Desirable
- Experience of working with multiple stakeholders and competing demands where there is a high degree of ambiguity in the boundaries between them
- Familiar with the UK innovation ecosystem(s), barriers, drivers and opportunities and roles of key public sector players
- Experience of or interest in science, technology and innovation and its role in society and economic performance
About The Company
Oxford Innovation Advice is a dynamic and fast-growing company where a culture of constant innovation and mutual respect delivers bottom line results from within a stimulating, enjoyable and challenging working environment. Part of SQW Group, our sister divisions provide flexible office space for start-up and growing technology companies, Angel investment networks and co-investment fund management plus public policy and economic development consultancy services in the UK, Europe and Asia.
Our closing date for applications is 15 September 2024. We reserve the right to appoint prior to this date, therefore applications should be submitted as soon as possible.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.