Senior Project Specialist

Oxford Innovation Advice is the UK's leading provider of specialist business coaching. Our teams drive economic prosperity by helping SMEs innovate and scale. Over the last 30 years we have delivered business support programmes to more than 30,000 businesses. Our
Innovate UK Business Growth Team
is currently seeking a full-time Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist. 5 hours per week from home but would be travelling regularly across South East England.
Identify ambitious innovation orientated SMEs with the potential to scale, who could benefit from Innovate UK Business Growth support.
• All activities and outputs to be recorded on CRM.
• Work with Innovate UK colleagues, British Business Bank regional colleagues and intermediaries plus other key regional stakeholders to reinforce the close cooperation that will enable the client to navigate the local innovation, investment and growth support environment and where necessary establish local co-operation to support achievement of this.
• The Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist will be high calibre and capable of being a combination of coach, mentor, and critical friend, able to guide investment readiness activity. A senior professional having grown their own business and/or worked in a senior position in a corporate or ambitious SME environment.
Experience /understanding of private and public capital markets, IPOs, M&A etc.
grants and of leveraging multiple support schemes, such Patent Box, R&D tax credits, invoice finance, financial guarantees, etc.
Well-connected and networked with an extensive book of contacts.
Self-motivated and results driven with a meticulous focus on quality.
A strong project and time manager, with concomitant communication, facilitation and presentation skills
Experience of commercialising and launching new innovations
Capable of helping clients accelerate entry in new markets.
Understand what is required to help SMEs meet the requirements of large companies and their supply chains.
Have exceptional networking, business development and sales skills
What is in it for you as our Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist:
~ Competitive basic salary
~ Contributory pension scheme with up to 5% matching contributions
~25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays with the opportunity to buy/sell up to 5 days
~ Flexible benefits options, which include private health and dental schemes for individuals and their dependents, health assessments
~ Access to a wide range of discounts including high street favourites and holiday providers
~ Work from home, coupled with flexible working
~ Access to 26 Oxford Innovation offices around the UK