At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology operations and shape the future of deep tech at Digital Catapult.
- Company: Join a top-rated workplace committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and a double-matched pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture with opportunities for professional growth and social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech while collaborating with industry leaders and academia.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology strategy and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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 working 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 multi-disciplinary 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
- 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.
Head of RD&I Technology Operations in London employer: Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Best Workplaces, offering a vibrant and inclusive culture that champions diversity and employee engagement. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from excellent perks such as a generous holiday package, double-matched pension contributions, and hybrid working arrangements, all while contributing to the advancement of the UK's deep tech capabilities. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and supports your career development in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of RD&I Technology Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the tech industry, especially those involved in R&D and innovation. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience in managing technology strategies and roadmaps. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and led operational changes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s tech roadmap and recent projects. This will not only show your interest but also help you align your skills with their needs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission and strategy!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make some tech magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of RD&I Technology Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in technology strategies and roadmaps. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of RDI Technology Operations, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your relationship-building and communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully influenced and collaborated with government, industry, or academia in your application.
Highlight Your Analytical Prowess:We’re looking for someone with strong analytical skills, so make sure to mention any experience you have with performance data and KPIs. Illustrate how you've used insights to inform strategic decisions in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Catapult
✨Know Your Tech Roadmap
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the technology roadmap and how it aligns with the organisation's objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can contribute to shaping and managing this roadmap effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to engage and influence stakeholders by preparing examples of past collaborations. Think about how you've worked with government, industry, or academia, and be ready to share specific outcomes from those interactions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential leader, it's crucial to convey your management style. Prepare to discuss how you promote a culture of performance and continuous improvement within teams, and provide examples of how you've mentored team members in the past.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Highlight your analytical skills by discussing how you've used performance data and KPIs to inform strategic decisions. Be ready to explain how you measure success and report on performance, as this will resonate well with the role's requirements.
