Innovation Lead - Cohort , Clean Energy Investment & Scale Programme

Job Title

Innovation Lead – Growth Cohort, Clean Energy Investment & Scale Programme

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

Reports to:

Head of Clean Growth Strategy & Impact

Location:

Field based –

Contract:

Permanent – Secondment available for Innovate UK Business Connect employees.

Final date to receive applications: 01 July 2026. The at 23:59.

• Manage Cohort Relationships: Identify high‑potential cohort members, champion the Growth Cohorts initiative, serve as primary contact for a portfolio of clean‑energy businesses, build strong collaborative relationships across the lifetime of their engagement.
• Build and maintain industry relationships: Collaborate with industry partners and stakeholders, spot opportunities to enhance the cohort experience, organise cross‑cohort activities such as showcases, round‑tables, peer networking.
• Support Funding Success: Guide cohort businesses through eligibility criteria, application guidance and programme requirements; co‑design tailored support packages and facilitate Full Stage Application submissions.
• Ensure milestone delivery: Monitor project progress, risk and performance; support businesses to resolve challenges and pivot when necessary.
• Enable Impact: Deliver timely reports to the advisory board, identify under‑performing businesses, share best practice to maximise commercial success.
• Collaborate Across Innovate UK and Externally: Work closely with Clean Energy Investment & Scale Programme colleagues, UKRI partners, government, and external stakeholders; represent Innovate UK at events and workshops.

• Strong background in account/relationship management, customer engagement, or programme delivery.
• Experience working directly with founders, entrepreneurs, SMEs or start‑ups, engaging businesses confidently.
• Business Growth knowledge – market entry, diversification, international expansion.
• Industry knowledge in clean energy and UK business/investment landscape; established networks with corporates, investors and industry bodies; familiarity with policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Awareness of disruptive technologies and scaling challenges within clean‑energy sectors.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Self‑motivation, autonomy, resilience, ownership of work and ability to deliver high‑quality outputs.
• Organisational, prioritisation, multi‑tasking abilities in a fast‑paced environment.

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

Field‑based role; primarily national travel with flexibility. Extensive use of telepresence tools to minimise unnecessary travel.

Innovate UK values a diverse workforce and actively encourages applications from under‑represented groups. Equal opportunities are afforded to all applicants who meet the criteria. The role is open to all, with particular encouragement for women.

Benefits include 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible working hours, a defined benefit pension scheme, and access to support networks and discount schemes. Pre‑employment screening is part of the recruitment process.