📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Operations and Impact (Business Growth)
🔹 Company: Innovate UK
🔹 Location: Field Based (UK)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: 18th July 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Field-Based)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leadership and management of operational delivery of Innovate UK Business Growth service
- Integration of Business Growth within the wider Innovate UK portfolio
- Line management of delivery operations leads
- Budget management and impact realization
- Collaboration with stakeholders and external bodies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage complex projects and budgets.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and manage the operational delivery of Innovate UK Business Growth service
✅ Integrate Business Growth within the wider Innovate UK portfolio
✅ Line manage delivery operations leads
✅ Manage day-to-day operations and impact realization
✅ Manage budgets, funding agreements, and contracts
✅ Collect, measure, and analyze operational data and impact
✅ Continuously improve IT tools and procurement
✅ Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and external bodies
✅ Build relationships with relevant bodies and networks
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Educated to Degree level in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience)
Experience: A track record of leadership and operational delivery of complex projects and delivery of operational targets to budget
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in managing large budgets with multi-stakeholder interest and accountability
- Experience in developing and implementing new processes and organizational change
- Excellent working knowledge of the UK Innovation and Growth Business support ecosystem
- Understanding of global issues relative to the management and growth of small/medium-sized businesses
Preferred Skills:
- Excellent working knowledge of the UK Innovation and Growth Business support ecosystem
- Understanding of innovation management, investment readiness, and/or internationalisation frameworks and processes
- Experience or interest in science, technology, and its role in society
ASSUMPION: Candidates should have a strong background in operational management, with a proven track record in delivering complex projects and managing large budgets.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £68,525 gross per annum
Benefits:
- 30 Days Annual Leave
- 10.5 Public and Privilege Days
- Flexible Working Hours
- Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
- Support Networks
- Discount Schemes
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPION: The salary range is based on UKRI Band G (UKRI Ts & Cs) and is competitive for the role and industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on innovation and growth within the UK
Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)
Founded: Innovate UK was established in 2011, with Innovate UK Business Connect (formerly Innovate UK KTN) being a key part of its operations
Company Description:
- Innovate UK Business Connect connects innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.
- It complements Innovate UK project funding with intensive, specialist-led support for innovative businesses.
- The organization aims to help more companies become better quality, investor-ready, and have the very best chance to grow and scale.
Company Specialties:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Agri-food
- Biotechnology
- Built environment
- Chemistry
- Design
- Digital and creative
- Defence and security
- Electronics
- Energy
- Health
- ICT
- Industrial maths
- Manufacturing
- Materials
li>Space
- Sustainability and circular economy
- Transport
- Robotics and artificial intelligence
- Big data
Company Website: iuk.ktn-uk.org
ASSUMPTION: Innovate UK Business Connect plays a crucial role in the UK's innovation ecosystem, supporting businesses to grow and scale.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Management/Executive
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Deputy Director Business Growth
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Field-Based) with extensive use of telepresence tools for meetings
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape the future of the Innovate UK Business Growth service
- Opportunities to work with a wide range of stakeholders and external bodies
- Possibility to develop and implement new processes and organizational change
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a real impact on the UK's innovation ecosystem.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Field-Based (with occasional travel)
Office Location(s): Unit 220, Business Design Centre, Upper Street, Islington, London, London N1 0QH, GB
Geographic Context:
- London is a major hub for innovation and technology in the UK
- The office is located in the heart of London's tech and startup scene
- The role may require occasional travel to other UK locations
Work Schedule: Flexible working hours with a 40-hour workweek
ASSUMPTION: The field-based nature of the role allows for flexibility and the opportunity to work with businesses across the UK.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Leadership and management skills
- Operational delivery and project management
- Budget management and financial acumen
- Stakeholder management and collaboration
- Data analysis and interpretation
Application Tips:
- Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in operational management, leadership, and budget management
- Demonstrate your understanding of the UK Innovation and Growth Business support ecosystem
- Showcase your ability to manage complex projects and deliver operational targets to budget
- Prepare for interview questions related to your experience in change management and process improvement
ATS Keywords: Operational delivery, leadership, budget management, stakeholder management, data analysis, innovation, growth, business support, ecosystem
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary, and it is essential to follow the instructions provided in the job posting.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SalesForce CRM
- Various IT tools for operational management and data collection
ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in using various IT tools and platforms for operational management and data collection.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Impact
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivery
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with the company's values, particularly 'Innovation' and 'Impact'?
- How comfortable are you working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent change?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a results-driven context?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative, and results-driven environment, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing complex projects and operational targets within tight budget constraints
- Navigating a dynamic and evolving ecosystem of stakeholders and external bodies
- Balancing the need for operational efficiency with the requirement for continuous improvement and innovation
- Occasional travel requirements
ASSUMPTION: The role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, operational delivery, and stakeholder management skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on operational delivery and impact realization within the UK innovation ecosystem
- Similar roles may include Operations Director, Head of Delivery, or Senior Project Manager within non-profit organizations or government agencies
- Career progression may involve moving into senior leadership or strategic roles within the organization or broader innovation ecosystem
ASSUMPION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the UK's innovation ecosystem, with potential for career progression within the organization or broader industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Development and implementation of new processes and organizational change to improve operational efficiency
- Collaboration with external bodies to build UK-wide innovation and growth services and support
- Management of data tools to provide trustworthy data that produces reliable insight for decision-making
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a wide range of projects, requiring strong leadership, operational delivery, and stakeholder management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for the role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the wider organization's strategy and plans for growth?
- What are the main challenges facing the team and how can this role help address them?
- How does the organization support work-life balance and employee well-being?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and helps you make an informed decision about the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Innovate UK Business Connect careers page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in operational management, leadership, and budget management
- Prepare for interview questions related to your experience in change management and process improvement
- Research the organization and the role to demonstrate your understanding of the UK Innovation and Growth Business support ecosystem
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
