Innovation Lead Clean Energy Missions (R&D MAP)

Innovation Lead

Salary:58589 Per Annum.
Band:UKRI Band F.
Contract type: Open Ended.
Hours:Full Time or Part Time. (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
Location:Polaris House Swindon Wiltshire.

Closing Date: 20/03/2026

About Us

TheR&D Missions Accelerator Programmerepresentsan exceptional opportunity to create real world impact through R&D investment.

The programme will utilise a 500m budget to bring together the private sector the third sectors and academia to collaboratively develop innovative solutions to public sector problems resulting innew technologies services IP and more.

The programme has been designed to solve the key problems facing HMGs five national Missions and enable delivery of the milestones in the Plan for Change.

The Government hasidentifiedthe key problems faced by the UK to which the R&D Missions Accelerator Programme has designed Research and Innovation (R&I) Challenges to develop solutions. Importantly these solutions will then be directly utilised in addressing public sector needs.

The programme is currently developing its approaches across the Missions and therefore by joining at this stagetheresa significant opportunity toestablishand drive the strategic and operational direction of the programme.

Mission Specific

Clean Energy

The Clean Energy Mission isthe UKs response to climate change with its twin focus on Clean Power by 2030 and Accelerating to Net Zero. You will be leading a team of energy and innovation experts looking at how innovation can rapidly acceleratelevelsofconsumer-led flexibility anddevelop new ultralong duration energy areas are criticaltocreatingtheaffordable resilient andenergy secure system whichwillpowerourfuture willdrivebold innovationforge newpartnershipsand shape groundbreaking programmes that deliver innovation alongside major policy and market reform.

A background in energy and/or climate ideally with an innovation angle technical and commercial skills are all strongly desirable for the Clean Energy mission.

Purpose

As an Innovation Lead the role holderswillbe responsible fordeveloping and implementing with partners the innovation strategy for R&D MAP. It will involve coordination ofprivate third sector and governmentsupport taking a key role in development of future strategic initiatives in this fast-moving programme. Commercially minded with significant industry/ sectorexperiencethe role holderswillseekto deliver theobjectivesof our investments and to ensure that opportunities for UK businesses are maximised in line with the aims of the programme. The role holderswill report to theChallengeSenior Teamand work closely with the wider R&D MAPHub andChallengeTeams.

This position requires a person with a deep understanding of the pathway to commercialisation they need to be technically literate and business-aware with strong interpersonal skills. They should be capable of leading the thinking in their area of expertise contributing to the creation and implementation of wider R&D MAP strategies.

Main Outputs and Activities

• Lead the development and implementation of R&D MAP challenge strategies and funding to enable industry to develop and commercialise new products processes businessmodelsand services
• Build and manage relationships with businesses trade associations Catapults government departments and agencies private investors regulatory bodies and research organisations
• Work with funding partners and industry groups to ensure alignment of activities to maximise impact on relevant sectors
• Ensuring that resources are targeted at the companies and technology areas that are most likely to create impact
• Support communications and engagement activitiesrepresentingR&D MAPat leading industry events raising awareness of the innovation opportunities that exist
• Support international activities to ensure that UK activity is set in an international context
• This is not an exhaustive list and the post-holder might be expected to undertake any other dutiescommensuratewith the Band and level of responsibility of this post.
  

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential:

• Degree in a relevant subject tothe Clean Energy Missionor equivalent experience.(S)
• Strong commercial acumen ideally with commercial experience particularly in the start-up and innovation space.(S&I)
• Specific experience in one or more aspects ofpolicy translation andcommercialisation ofresearch andinnovationacross different sectors such as technology assessmentproduct developmentregulationand commercialisation routes fornewpartnerships.(S&I)
• Proven ability to deliver major and complex programmes to time cost andrequiredquality.(S&I)
• Strong experience in managing relationships with various internal and external stakeholders including across the third and private sector.(S&I)
• Demonstrative ability tofacilitatecooperation/partnership working and to work across boundaries.(S&I)
• Experience tracking impacts and managing a portfolio of activities or investments.(S&I)
• Technical skills in an area related to theClean EnergyMission.(S&I)
  

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the wider researchpolicyand innovation environment.(S)
• Understanding of regulatory pathways for different geographies.(S)
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.(S&I)
• Communications and media experience. (S&I)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.
  

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:
Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online if you experience any issue applying please contact

We do sponsor - Please note if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK as part of your sponsorship application you and any dependants travelling with you will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information please visit or contact