Innovation & Growth Specialist

Innovation & Growth Specialist Chesterfield, Derby, Leicester or Nottingham (Lincoln based also considered) £42,500 – £45,000 p.a. * Do you possess knowledge of Innovation policy and related programmes? * Are you a skilled coach, mentor and critical friend with experience of supporting and advising SMEs? * Do you want to work for a company that champions business and innovation strategy across the UK? The Company: ER Recruitment are excited to be working with our client, a fantastic and reputable organisation with offices throughout the East Midlands. The successful Innovation & Growth Specialist will support some of the most ambitious, high growth potential innovative SME’s in the East Midlands Region and help them to benefit from national and global opportunities so they could become tomorrow’s global success stories. Role & Responsibilities of the Innovation & Growth Specialist: * Assess and understand the specific needs of innovative SMEs and support them effectively. * Act as strategic coach and mentor to clients to support SMEs develop their own long-term innovation commercialisation plans * Facilitate a holistic analysis of the business to gain an in-depth understanding of its current performance and potential for growth. To assist SMEs to prioritise issues and identify potential courses of action * Provide robust strategic advice to SMEs by establishing facts, weighing up pros and cons, examining consequences, and deliver the action plans * Select business support services that meet the agreed needs, from the full range of private and public sector providers * Handle leads and enquiries to ascertain suitability for support and services and create leads and conversions ensuring documentation complies with Innovate UK requirements * Account manage a portfolio of clients and deliver bespoke support packages by working with SMEs one-to-one * Record and update data regularly into the appropriate CRM systems and with agree project protocols * Manage performance and achieve targets set for the number of SMEs assisted, new businesses created and growth in employment. * Prepare project claim paperwork accurately and submit to the Contract and Audit Manager in a timely manner. About You as the Innovation & Growth Specialist: * Proven experience in connecting into, or working with, C-suite level and influencing * Be a self-starter, seeking appropriate ambitious businesses through networks and targeted marketing * Experience working in or with the following technology sectors: Creative, Digital, Industrial and MedTech * Knowledge/Experience of working in emerging markets, particularly in the East Midlands region. * Knowledge of SME development issues and other business disciplines that impact on business performance, particularly in the East Midlands. * A practical and high level understanding of the implications of State Aid in supporting businesses * Demonstrable and tangible experience in successfully establishing action plans for SME business growth and their implementation * Experience of negotiation and offering a credible, confident and persuasive approach to business advice * Experience of working with key partners and stakeholders across all sectors to support, promote and develop economic development and business support activity * Experience of writing clear and concise narrative and performance reports * Well-developed coaching, mentoring and motivational skills * Excellent IT Skills, especially Microsoft Office and CRM systems This role could suit: Business Coach, Business Consultant, Business Growth Specialist, Business Guru, Business Mentor, Executive Coach, Growth Consultant, Management Consultant, Operations Consultant Please note by applying for this role you give consent for ER Recruitment to retain your CV for up to 24 months for the purposes of assisting you to find your next role unless you notify us otherwise. While we aim to get back to all applicants, if you do not receive a response within 7 working days then unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We are here to help with your career so please send a copy of your CV to us. If you know of anyone else who is looking for their next opportunity, please feel free to refer them to us or pass on our details. We look forward to hearing from you