Innovation Lead – Maritime Technologies

Innovation Lead – Future Maritime Technologies

Band: UKRI Band F (UKRI Ts & Cs)
Salary: £58,589 gross per annum

Reports to:

Senior Programme Manager – Land and Maritime Transport

Location:

Field based

Contract:

Permanent

Innovate UK’s Land and Maritime Transport team delivers millions of R&D funding to the UK’s transport sector each year. We support the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and Net Zero Strategy by working with industry, academia and regulators to enable zero‑emission, smarter and more accessible maritime and inland waterway solutions.

The Innovation Lead will champion the development of future maritime technologies and accelerate the sector’s transition to Net Zero. The role delivers research and development programmes in clean propulsion, maritime autonomy, smart shipping and clean infrastructure, and leads the translation of government policy into impactful innovation interventions.

• Act as Innovate UK’s principal subject‑matter expert on emissions reduction and maritime vehicle autonomy.
• Manage the initial portfolio of over 100 projects funded from 2026 as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) and Zero‑Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) Competitions.
• Serve as the main point of contact for senior industry figures within the CMDC & ZEVI supported businesses.
• Champion and lead the design of multi‑year R&D programmes, translating government maritime policy goals into business‑driving interventions.
• Collaborate with business partners, the Department for Transport, the Department for Business and Trade, academia, trade associations (e.g. Maritime UK) and regulators (e.g. MCA) to develop and deliver programmes that build a globally recognised UK‑wide maritime innovation system.
• Support policy efforts through expertise in technical, business and social aspects of innovative maritime technologies.
• Ensure programmes have an international perspective, fostering collaboration across national boundaries with other maritime‑innovation leaders.
• Represent Innovate UK at industry events, raising awareness of maritime innovation opportunities and shaping sector thinking.
• Support the wider implementation of Innovate UK strategy, helping colleagues implement programmes and ensuring alignment with UKRI’s mission to drive economic and societal impact.

• Degree in relevant science, engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• First‑hand industry experience in maritime propulsion technology.
• Knowledge of the UK’s maritime strategy, Clean Maritime Plan and Maritime 2050.
• Understanding of business models and value streams for maritime technologies and experience deploying them at scale.
• Programme or project management experience in innovation or related fields.
• Experience with business‑led innovation projects in the maritime sector.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, able to engage senior leaders with competing priorities.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities across diverse audiences.
• Capacity to work in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.
• High organisational ability and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to assess business and innovation gaps and opportunities at domestic and international levels.

• Thinking and Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Management
• Communication Skills
• Influencing
• Self‑Awareness / Self‑Management
• Strategic Awareness
• Working with Others
• Project Management

The role is field‑based and will involve national travel, with some international travel as required. Telepresence tools are used to minimise unnecessary travel.

Innovate UK fosters a diverse workforce in which all talents are valued. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment, respect and dignity for everyone and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Innovate UK is an equal‑opportunities employer, committed to hiring any person who meets the essential criteria for the role. We provide reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities or learning difficulties and review requests for adjustments in a timely manner.

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus 10.5 public and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Access to support networks and discount schemes

Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive pre‑employment check, including a security clearance and an affiliation check, in line with UKRI requirements.

Applications must be submitted by 14‑07‑2026.