Transfer Manager - Water & Energy; FTC

Overview

Job Title - Knowledge Transfer Manager - Water & Energy

Contract - Fixed term until 26th March 2027

Hours - Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Location - Home based (UK)

Innovate UK Business Connect is looking for a personable and results-driven individual with a technical background in water systems or energy systems, with the willingness to develop their understanding of the water sector. This is a fantastic opportunity for a full-time fixed term contract within our dedicated Clean Energy and Built Environment team. The individual will also work closely with the Net Zero team.

The Clean Energy and Built Environment team is at the forefront of driving the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. We partner with businesses and innovators across the energy and built environment sectors, accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that facilitate the clean energy transition. We cover various technical areas, including energy systems, renewable energy generation, nuclear energy, energy distribution and storage, industrial decarbonisation, modern construction techniques, sustainable materials for construction, large-scale infrastructure and water networks.

In this role, you will lead Innovate UK Business Connect’s delivery of the high-profile Ofwat Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge and the Cross Sector Water Innovation Network (CSWIN).

The £40m, 5-year, Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge will deliver mutual benefit between water and other stakeholder sectors such as agriculture, energy and manufacturing, driving collaborative innovation projects that support business growth, while working to influence policy and regulatory reform.

CSWIN is a collaborative, cross-sectoral community of water-conscious innovators, supply chain actors, and end-users, funded by Ofwat and delivered by Innovate UK Business Connect to accelerate sustainable growth, drive mutual value, and shape a smarter, more resilient water future.

This role will also involve working across Clean Energy and Built Environment programmes, primarily the Innovation Exchange (iX) programme. iX fast-tracks knowledge transfer nationwide by leveraging our network to match industry challenges with innovative solutions.

We’re looking for a team player who excels in interpersonal interactions, collaborating with colleagues across various sector teams and different parts of the organisation. With exceptional communication skills, you should feel confident engaging with a wide array of stakeholders from industry, research, regulators and government, ideally bringing some existing contacts within these groups. Strong organisational abilities and a solid grasp of project management principles are also essential.

The ideal candidate will possess a technical background with expertise in water or energy sectors, with an awareness of the interdependencies between sectors. Experience with in one of the identified sectors would be a significant advantage.

• In collaboration with Clean Energy and Net Zero team colleagues, lead the delivery of the Ofwat Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge and the Cross Sector Water Innovation Network.
• Contribute to the ongoing delivery of the Innovation Exchange initiative.
• Help establish and maintain a vibrant and engaged community of innovators in the UK, within the specific target sectors or technology areas.
• Work directly with companies, facilitating new connections and collaborations as well as providing access to funding and investment opportunities.
• Encourage businesses to engage with UK research and innovation assets, including Catapults and Research Centres, and connect with business communities through our networks and development projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including conducting regular company visits.
• Deliver key business metrics as agreed with the line manager, track progress, and capture outcomes and success stories.
• Assist in organising key programme activities and events relevant to industry sectors or strategic technologies.
• Facilitate networking within and across various communities.
• Engage with Innovate UK Business…