Senior Innovation Adviser

Job Description

Are you an enthusiastic, hands-on, entrepreneurial Business Adviser with a specialisation in Innovation Are you looking to share your expertise to help North West companies develop innovative solutions for the International MarketIf so, we would like to hear from you.Based within the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) team in Manchester, the team help innovative North West SMEs devise and implement effective innovation management strategy to develop and commercialise new solutions through partnerships across the world.Funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s Innovation Agency, the Business Innovation advisor will:- assess the growth potential of eligible businesses, diagnose any barriers to innovation or advancement which may be holding back growth and agree suitable action plans to address these and release growth opportunities;- Review, devise and implement an effective innovation strategy aligned with the business strategy to ensure sustainable growth and the right foundations are in place;- help companies develop the right business model, product development plan and compelling value proposition using different business innovation models (Business Model Canvas, Value Proposition, MECE pyramid, problem-solving based approach, Digital Innovation Assessment, Service Design, Design Thinking… )- Identifying relevant funding programmes and other financing opportunities to develop these solutions;- Advising on Intellectual Property Rights, technical research, R&D best practice, product development including design, manufacturing processes, materials application- Identify the right partner for commercialisation of the solutionsThe Business Innovation Adviser will be working with a variety of organisations in the UK and overseas - i.e. governmental and private research centres, Innovation Business Parks, Chambers of Commerce, Universities….This role is a very fulfilling role as you successfully support companies develop and commercialise tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs and grow overseas through key partnerships.About you:- At least degree level business education, or degree level qualification with a Management body or the relevant business experience to match those- Over 5 years of sector(s) / business experience in the private sector, including at a senior management level- Proven track record in managing the range of business issues associated with periods of business growth- Professional experience and approach to managing and delivering business assessment, advice and development- Sales and Account management skills- Presentation skills both written and oral- Excellent communication and networking skills- Well-developed IT skills, including an understanding of computerised management information systems, spreadsheets, diary management, e-mail and CRM databases- Understanding and experience of using project management techniques- Practical understanding of the drivers and barriers to innovation and different business models- Practical understanding of the current landscape of publicly-funded business support and investments of relevance to the agenda- Knowledge and understanding of the key national, sub-regional and local organisations and their role in supporting economic development and specifically business growth You may have experience of the following: Business Advisor, Business Consultant, Project Manager, Project Management, Account Manager, Account Management, Business Development Manager, Management Consultant, Relationship Management, etc.This is a 12-month fixed term role starting around end of November 20.The Growth Company aims to promote a culture of flexible and agile working. With this in mind, we are happy to discuss suggestions as to how the responsibilities of this role can be met through a flexible approach to hours and or location.Please note that all correspondence regarding your application will be sent by e-mail so we advise that you check your inbox and Spam folder regularly.The Growth Company particularly encourages applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are currently under-represented within the organisation.The Growth Company aims to promote a culture of flexibility and agile working. Pre-covid, part of our recruitment strategy was to discuss any suggestions from candidates as to how the responsibilities of any of our roles could be met through a flexible approach to hours and or location. Now we are following the government’s advice for all our staff to work from home where possible. Going forward we will be transitioning to a culture where full agile working will be a feature of many of our roles.Should you apply for any of our roles, we will be following a virtual recruitment process with online interviews, as well as online assessments (where required). This will be explained to you further, should you reach interview stage. Face to face interviews will only take place where absolutely necessary. At all times we follow government guidelines in relation to Covid-19 in order to safeguard our employees or anyone visiting our sites. Should a face to face meeting be required, we will be more than happy to explain the measures we have put in place, ahead of you attending any of our premises.Reasonable adjustments for interviews, whether virtual or face to face, will be considered.