At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative energy solutions and support SMEs in overcoming market barriers.
- Company: Join Energy Systems Catapult, a leader in Net Zero energy innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Senior Venture Deployment Manager role at Energy Systems Catapult
Base pay range
This range is provided by Energy Systems Catapult. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
About Us
Energy Systems Catapult is an independent research and technology organisation. Our mission is to accelerate Net Zero energy innovation.
Launched in 2015 by Innovate UK, the Catapult has built a team of more than 250 people, with a range of technical, engineering, consumer, commercial, incubation, digital and policy expertise. They draw on sector-leading test facilities, modelling tools, and data collected from our back catalogue of more than 500 research projects.
We use that ‘whole energy’ system capability to support innovative companies -- small and large – to test, trial and scale their new products and services. Our impact comes when those innovators attract new customers, new investment and new grants so they can thrive in the future energy system.
Based in Birmingham, Energy Systems Catapult is part of a network of nine, world-leading technology and innovation centres, established by Innovate UK. The Catapult Network fosters collaboration between industry, government, research organisations, academia, and many others to transform great ideas into valuable products and services.
We believe that innovation often stems from connecting different areas and ideas, and that working together in person can be an important enabler for that. We therefore expect people to be in the Birmingham office ~40 days/year (roughly one day per week).
Context
The Catapult’s Energy Launchpad Team (ELP) has been established to support UK innovators by helping them understand and navigate the energy transformation systemic barriers both domestically and overseas. It supports innovators to open routes to market both domestically and overseas, whilst helping them to tackle business growth challenges. We do this by applying ESC’s own capabilities to help SMEs address systemic barriers for energy innovation, in combination with tailored business growth support, and networking and opportunities to access and engage with the market.
We also offer access to a broad network of existing incubators, accelerators and external support initiatives, both in the UK and in target countries abroad. Internationally, we aim to connect UK innovators to overseas markets and opportunities and to support inward investment in the UK energy innovation sector. As well as this, we aim to share UK experience and best practice to support overseas organisations and countries in their transition to low-carbon pathways.
The ELP model is a 2-tiered platform that takes the SME on a journey through Network support, Incubation and Acceleration:
- Venture Development - tailored business support for selected SMEs utilising ESC assets, technical and market expertise, and delivery of partner offerings, at all stages of the innovator journey. This function includes our Network Team - standardised offerings accessible by all Innovators (not just SMEs), including sign-posting to ESC partner relationships and the wider eco-system
- Venture Deployment – working with partners in the energy sector to support them with accessing world class innovative solutions, including overcoming procurement and supply chain barriers, supporting successful trial activities with SMEs and managing our investor network
The Catapult’s Energy Launchpad Team will source solution providers for incubation and acceleration support, manage relationships with SMEs, carry-out needs analysis, including scoping and coordination of support tasks. They will manage the engagement of internal stakeholders (including technical and market expertise) as well as external sub-contract resource from ELP & International partners.
The Role
The Senior Venture Deployment Manager leads the Deployment (Demand) team, responsible for designing and delivering programmes, frameworks, and partnerships that accelerate the adoption and scaling of innovative energy solutions, working closely with system actors, internal platforms, and policy stakeholders. The role ensures the delivery of high-impact, demand-driven support to both ESC partners and SMEs, with a sharp focus on measurable deployment metrics, structured trial activities, and aligned system outcomes.
Key Work Activities
- Set the strategic vision and direction for the Venture Deployment team in line with the objectives of the Energy Launchpad Platform, government priorities, and regional growth opportunities.
- Lead and nurture the Venture Deployment team, setting goals, ensuring high quality outputs, and developing modular processes to enable cross-platform flexibility.
- Lead the design, management, and aspects of delivery for deployment and acceleration programmes, including modular support and trial activities with system actors, network operators, regulators, policy makers, and commercial partners.
- Oversee the process and maintain accountability for ELP’s internal stakeholder engagement with other ESC Platforms (Homes, Sites, Places, and Whole Systems and Networks). Manage internal reporting processes to ensure that the Energy Launchpad Team is effective in its aims of being close to the customer, and manage reporting processes internally to steer ELP’s outreach and scouting activities.
- Build and manage senior-level relationships with key external partners, ensuring clear pathways to market adoption, development of challenge-led programmes, and effective engagement of industry, government, regulators, and investors.
- Oversee the development, standardisation, and continual improvement of trial and procurement support processes to de-risk the adoption of innovative solutions and enable scalable deployment.
- Support the identification, onboarding, and support of later stage high-impact SME cohorts for deployment activities, that will inform the facilitation of technology pilots, demonstration projects, and market entry partnerships.
- Oversee the development, health, and expansion of ESC’s investor networks and partner supply chains, maximising leverage for deployment-stage investment, growth, and replication of business models.
- Ensure robust monitoring and reporting of deployment impact metrics, including number and scale of deployed innovations, investment leveraged, emissions reduced, efficiency gains, replicable models created, and provide evidence for measurable system outcomes.
- Work with internal and external teams to source and share market intelligence, support strategic planning, and maintain a feedback loop for programme improvement and partner engagement.
- Represent ESC externally, delivering presentations, facilitating workshops, and showcasing deployment best practice at industry and government events to enhance ESC profile and its offer to stakeholders.
- Drive a culture of collaboration with the Venture Development (Supply) function, ensuring effective exchange and delivery on joint programmes and outreach activities.
- Significant experience leading the deployment and scaling of programmes that support businesses to bring innovative technology or services into the energy or clean tech marketplace (such as homes and construction, places, whole systems and networks sectors), focused on system-level impact and multi-stakeholder engagement
- Experience of running accelerator or innovation programmes to scale solutions into the market
- Impressive track record in the design, delivery, monitoring, and reporting of demand-led programmes, ideally with both public and private sector clients.
- Demonstrated success in senior stakeholder management, partnership building, and investor engagement within complex energy system environments.
- Experience of design and implementation of processes to manage and improve efficiencies
- Solid understanding of market barriers, policy drivers, and the challenges of deploying new innovations at scale, including procurement considerations
- Proven ability in interpreting system needs, structuring trial activities, and developing frameworks for adoption, evidencing and de-risking deployment.
- Experience in scoping, contracting, and managing modular programme resources, including internal teams, supply chains, consultants, and external delivery partners.
- Strong background in metrics-driven impact measurement, market intelligence, and the creation of replicable innovation/accelerator programme models
- Demonstrated success in team management and development, with ability to motivate, mentor, and direct teams delivering high volume innovation projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, confident public speaking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement for high-visibility events and workshops.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Consulting, General Business, and Research
- Industries
- Services for Renewable Energy, Business Consulting and Services, and Energy Technology
Senior Venture Deployment Manager in Birmingham employer: Energy Systems Catapult
Energy Systems Catapult is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides extensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that accelerate the transition to Net Zero energy solutions, while also enjoying access to professional development and networking within a leading technology and innovation network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Venture Deployment Manager in Birmingham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector! Attend industry events, workshops, and meetups to build relationships. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and successes in deploying innovative solutions. Make sure they see how you can add value to their team.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand Energy Systems Catapult's mission and values, and align your discussions to show how you fit into their vision for net-zero energy innovation.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Energy Systems Catapult.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Venture Deployment Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Venture Deployment Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in leading deployment programmes and managing stakeholder relationships, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in scaling innovative solutions and how they align with our mission at Energy Systems Catapult.
Showcase Your Impact Metrics:Since this role focuses on measurable deployment metrics, be sure to include any relevant impact metrics from your previous roles. This could be anything from investment leveraged to emissions reduced – we want to see your results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Systems Catapult
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Energy Systems Catapult's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to energy innovation and how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Venture Deployment Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage relationships. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led projects or teams, especially in complex environments. Highlight your strategic vision and how it drove results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in deploying innovative solutions and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Energy Launchpad Team's current initiatives and future goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.