Head of RD&I Technology Operations in Gateshead

We're looking for a strategic and operational leader to shape the technology Research Development and Innovation (RDI) at Digital Catapult. As Head of RDI Technology Operations, you’ll drive the delivery of our technology roadmap, streamline operations across a multi-disciplinary team, and ensure alignment with our mission and strategy. This is a high-impact role at the heart of deep tech development, working closely with senior leaders, government, industry, and academia to accelerate the UK’s tech capabilities.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

• Lead the development and ongoing management of the Technology Roadmap, Radar and its input into the strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and emerging academic and industry trends.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders—including government, industry, and academia—to support external sharing of the Technology Roadmap and Radar, leading engagement with external foresight teams.
• Lead the operational processes across the technology function to support collaboration, prioritisation, and high-quality delivery, and effective management of the RDI function.
• Oversee performance measurement, risk management, and reporting for the technology function, ensuring accurate, transparent communication to leadership, funders, and the board.
• Lead deployment and planning efforts to optimise team capabilities and resource needs, impact, efficiency, and professional growth opportunities.
• Manage and mentor a small team, promoting a culture of performance, continuous improvement, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Support the interactions and effective working with other parts of the business, in particular work closely with the R&D Operations team, and internal technology roadmap dissemination.

Requirements

• Proven experience in creating and managing technology strategies and roadmaps, ideally within a multi-disciplinary or deep tech environment.
• Demonstrated success in engaging and influencing stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.
• Must have strong relationship-building and communication skills, representing the organisation externally.
• Proven experience leading and embedding operational change across multidisciplinary teams to improve effectiveness, alignment, ways of working, and overseeing team performance, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent analytical skills, with a strong capability to use performance data, KPIs, and insights to inform strategic decisions and provide clear direction to senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with developing KPIs and reporting systems for technology functions.
• Proactive with a very collaborative working style, able to build trusted relationships, with experience working across multiple teams or disciplines to deliver complex programmes, balancing resources and priorities.
• Understanding a broad portfolio of deep technology research areas and how they fit together.

Deadline for Applications: 29th May 3pm

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We are part of the Catapult network and we are actively committed to our Inclusivity in Innovation Charter. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process. Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

Benefits

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary.
• Discretionary company bonus.
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension.
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal.
• Life insurance 4x salary.
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work.
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us.
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!
• We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.
• We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.
• We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.