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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to drive economic growth and shape the future of South East Wales.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority focused on regional development and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting role with travel opportunities and collaboration across various sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping innovation-led growth and building inclusive prosperity.
- Qualifications: Experience in RDI policy and strong strategic skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Subject Matter Expert: Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) - Contract Role
Location: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)
Contract: 6 months + possible extension
Employer: Aatom Recruitment (on behalf of a Local Authority)
Aatom Recruitment are currently seeking an experienced Subject Matter Expert in Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) to support a Local Authority in delivering a major regional economic initiative. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping innovation‑led growth across South East Wales.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Regional Growth & Investment, you will provide specialist leadership in the development and delivery of the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Investment Zone - a once-in-a-generation programme designed to accelerate economic growth, drive innovation, and build inclusive prosperity. The role sits at the heart of a complex, multi‑stakeholder ecosystem. You will work closely with:
- Industry leaders
- CCR Local Authorities
- Welsh Government
- UK Government
- Academic and research institutions
- Investment and commercial partners
Your expertise will help design and implement high‑impact programmes that support regional productivity, competitiveness, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
You will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the RDI priorities of the CCR Investment Zone, backed by significant Government funding and focused on high‑value sectors including:
- Compound semiconductors
- Advanced manufacturing
- New and emerging technologies
Your responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Leadership: Driving CCR's innovation agenda and ensuring alignment with the Regional Economic and Industrial Plan.
- Cluster Engagement & Market Intelligence: Building relationships with industry clusters and gathering insight to inform evidence‑based interventions.
- Programme Design & Delivery: Designing and delivering innovation programmes that foster high‑value job creation and resilient supply chains.
- Business Case Development: Producing robust, future‑focused business cases that maximise impact and secure investment.
- Inward Investment & Partnership Development: Attracting investment and developing strategic partnerships across the public, private, and academic spheres.
- Contract & Procurement Management: Overseeing commissioning, procurement, and contractor performance where required.
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Ensuring programmes deliver value, meet objectives, and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
- Leadership & Team Management: Providing guidance and support to the wider Investment Zone Delivery Team.
About You
You will bring:
- Deep knowledge of innovation ecosystems and RDI policy
- Experience working with government, industry, and academic partners
- Strong strategic, analytical, and commercial skills
- Proven ability to design and deliver complex programmes
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and diplomacy
- Understanding of high‑value technology sectors (desirable)
Other Information
Ability to travel across the region is required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary. This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Although you will have a contractual base, work will be carried out across multiple locations as required.
OR26380- Subject Matter Expert: Research, Development & Innovation - Management in Cardiff employer: Aatom Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Aatom Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OR26380- Subject Matter Expert: Research, Development & Innovation - Management in Cardiff
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry leaders and peers. Attend events, webinars, or local meetups related to Research, Development & Innovation. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk about your skills; demonstrate them! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past projects in innovation and economic growth. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights on RDI trends and engage with relevant content. Follow companies and thought leaders in your field to stay updated and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. It shows your enthusiasm and gives us a chance to see your application first-hand. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace OR26380- Subject Matter Expert: Research, Development & Innovation - Management in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Subject Matter Expert in RDI. Highlight your experience with innovation ecosystems and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about driving innovation and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with industry leaders, government bodies, or academic institutions in the past. We want to know how you build relationships and drive collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aatom Recruitment
✨Know Your RDI Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of research, development, and innovation policies. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in high-value sectors like compound semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's government bodies, industry leaders, or academic institutions, being able to articulate your experience in building relationships will be crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Programme Design
Think about specific programmes you've designed or delivered that align with the responsibilities of the role. Be prepared to discuss your approach to creating impactful initiatives and how you measure their success. This will highlight your strategic thinking and analytical skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves providing guidance to a team, reflect on your leadership style and how it has contributed to past successes. Share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to lead diverse teams and drive innovation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.