Innovate UK

Appointment Term: Up to four years – to be discussed at interview – with the possibility of reappointment.

Remuneration: £215,000 plus opportunity for performance related pay capped at £17,500.

Time Commitment: Full time.

Location: It is anticipated that the Executive Chair will be predominantly based in UKRI’s London and Swindon offices. However, the role will require regular travel around the UK and internationally.

Innovate UK (IUK) is the UK’s innovation agency, currently providing approximately £2 billion per annum of innovation support. With a portfolio of investments across the country, IUK helps key sectors to seize the power of revolutionary research, and technologies to stimulate growth and new products. There is enormous potential for the new leader of Innovate UK to support the Government’s mission-led Industrial Strategy and its 5 missions, and as Executive Chair there is an exciting opportunity to translate science and technology into productivity and growth that delivers for citizens throughout the UK.

As the Executive Chair of Innovate UK you will have considerable autonomy to reshape Innovate UK so it can best deliver on the Government’s mission led agendas. Drawing on the UK’s globally recognised strengths in early-stage research, you will work with UKRI’s research councils, other public sector bodies, investors, and businesses up and down the UK to unleash innovation and productivity across our economy and society. You will develop and deliver strategies for accelerating corporate R&D investment while nurturing and scaling the UK’s most exciting and investable tech and R&D intensive startups and spinouts.

We are seeking an exceptional innovator, entrepreneur, investor or executive with a track record leading innovation, growth and transformation within technology and R&D-intensive industries. With leadership, commercial acumen and financial management experience, with understanding of investments, financial products and how to remove barriers to growth in young businesses. With experience of science, technology and engineering innovation, you will have experience of managing change in complex organisations, and the excellent interpersonal skills to build working relationships with a diverse range of partners.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to UKRI on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference AAYIP2. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by midday on Monday 7 October 2024.