Innovation Specialist

Job Title:
Innovation Specialist
Responsible to:
Head of Innovation Delivery
Salary:
£26k
Term:
Fixed until March 2025
Role Overview
At Sunderland Software City (SSC) our vision is to improve the economy by creating digital tech opportunities and our mission is to make a difference by pushing boundaries. As part of our vision we run the activities of the Digital Catapult North East and Tees Valley (NETV) office, which includes managing the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s UKSPF funded 5G Immersive Lab project. The project includes the opening of a new 5G enabled, immersive lab and co-working space in Eldon Square, Newcastle.
We will be running an innovation programme from the space that will include the delivery of a series of workshops and business challenges, to support businesses from key sectors to better understand the potential of 5G, immersive and other related technologies.You will be working alongside an Innovation manager who will support you to deliver the programme’s objectives. You will also work closely with the community manager, from project partners ‘The Floe’ who will manage the co-working space.You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the 5Gi-LAB and maintenance of specialist equipment, assisting users of the lab, and helping to build up its technical capabilities and content library, as well as proactively contributing to the work of the wider team.
How you will contribute to our vision
Develop and maintain strong relationships with project stakeholders and technical partners.Support the development and maintenance of the 5G Immersive Lab tech offerSupport the team to deliver workshops, business challenges and any other activity considered appropriate for the role, with a specific focus on ensuring the viability and technical feasibility of any technology demonstrations and showcases.
Responsibilities
Demonstrating content and technology to visitors and supporting the delivery of workshops, business challenges and any other activity considered appropriate for the role, which promotes and benefits all partners, including event attendance, partner liaison and networking.
The overall responsibility for day-to-day running and maintenance of specialist equipment, including logging, tracking and maintaining lab equipment (including VR and AR headsets, computers and various peripherals). Develop and maintain strong relationships with project stakeholders and the business communities who will be supported through the programme.Work closely with delivery partners to add value through other available support to provide the maximum value to beneficiaries.Managing the booking, sign-in and CRM systems at the 5G Immersive Lab in line with company operational and GDPR requirementsAny additional duties deemed appropriate for the level of job.Key Skills/Qualifications:
The following key skills and qualifications are a guide and should not be seen as a list of requirements. Even if you are not sure about your existing skills but are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your suitability for the role further.
Important for success:
Strong technical skills and the ability to problem solve.A passion for new technology and a good understanding of emerging technologies including 5G and ImmersiveStrong organisation skills and the ability to work proactivelyAbility to build and maintain rapport with clients and staff. Ability to work with a wide range of SMEs from different sectors and of different sizes to help them understand how these technologies can help them
Nice to have:
Previous experience with emerging technologies (e.g. VR or AR headsets) is strongly preferred.
Working at Sunderland Software City
At Sunderland Software City we celebrate multiple approaches and opinions and believe diversity drives innovation. We are working hard to build a culture where difference is valued. We are a growing team and it’s important to us that we recruit the best people. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We aim to maintain an entrepreneurial culture within our organisation. As a small team, staff have the opportunity to get involved with different projects in the organisation.
We are committed to your personal development (CPD). If there is a course you’ve spotted, an event you’d like to attend, or if you’d like to shadow a colleague and learn a different skill, we will seek to facilitate this where possible.
We also work flexibly. Alongside having our own office in the heart of Sunderland, we encourage working from home and have various partnerships in place with local co-working spaces across the North East to facilitate flexible working,
All our perks:
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Flexible working
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Regular team socials
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Pension contributions
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Basic Bupa health insurance
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Subscription to the ‘Calm’ mental health app
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25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
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A range of discounts and promotions via Charlie HR Perks at Work
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Commitment to CPD including events/paid training opportunities
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Cycle to work scheme
Please Note:
Completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is essential for this role.Safeguarding Level 1 training will be provided as part of this role and must be completed.We actively encourage applications from people of under-represented groups as we strive to increase diversity in our workplace. Please note we are unable to sponsor work visas.
The deadline for applications is 26th April2024 at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on w/c 6th May 2024.
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