At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead an innovative project to enhance supporter engagement and financial sustainability at Falkirk FC.
- Company: Join Falkirk FC and Heriot-Watt University in a dynamic partnership.
- Benefits: Earn £28,000 per year with bonuses, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on innovation and community value.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sports business while developing your skills in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in relevant fields; strong communication and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
This role is part of a UK Government‑sponsored Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme between Heriot‑Watt University (HWU) and Falkirk FC. You will lead a project that harnesses supporter aspiration, engagement, and consumption to develop Falkirk FC as a financially strong, community‑owned club and contribute to market growth for the business.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead an innovative commercial sustainability project, deepening supporter connections and upskilling the club in digital, data‑led, and engagement practices.
- Interact with senior management, administrative staff, supporters, and academics from Edinburgh Business School and the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at HWU.
- Apply your knowledge to commercial projects, driving value and impact, solving problems, and creating innovative solutions.
- Deliver project outcomes on time, meet quality standards, and provide regular progress reports to stakeholders.
Essential Criteria
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Sport Business, Sport Management, Business, Management, Data Management, Analytics, Marketing) with knowledge of football clubs as businesses.
- Strong research and written communication skills, experience of using data to produce reports, articles, or presentations.
- Strong project management skills, able to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder projects.
- Excellent verbal communication skills, experience of workshops, stakeholder engagement, or delivering oral presentations.
- Data literacy and understanding of data use in strategic decision‑making.
- Proactive, self‑motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively.
- Effective teamwork and interpersonal skills, including empathy and organisational citizenship.
- Adaptable, resilient, and committed to project success with the ability to manage change.
- Strong time‑management skills, able to prioritise a demanding workload.
Desirable Criteria
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Sport Business, Sport Management, Business, Management, Data Management, Analytics, Marketing).
- Knowledge of the business of sport, including ownership and governance models.
- Advanced quantitative research methods skills (research design, data collection via questionnaires, interviews, focus groups).
- Experience of digital marketing.
- Familiarity with AI, CRM systems or predictive modelling in customer engagement.
- Experience identifying market or business opportunities.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary of £28,000 per annum, reviewed during the project.
- Access to the national KTP scheme, specialist management training, protected time for self‑development, and a professional development budget.
- Opportunity to submit a paper to an international conference.
- Being part of a creative, challenging, and rewarding working environment with experts in sport governance, football finance and digital marketing.
About Falkirk FC
Founded in 1876, Falkirk FC competes in the Scottish Premiership and operates under a balanced ownership model. The club’s strategic aim is long‑term financial sustainability and top‑10 status through inclusive governance, digital innovation and community value.
About Heriot‑Watt University
Heriot‑Watt University is a UK leader in innovation, business and industry research. The university offers a distinctive range of programmes across science, engineering, design, business and languages, and is the largest international university in Scotland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to creating a fair and inclusive workplace, offering equal opportunity and valuing diversity across its community.
Growth and Innovation Associate (KTP Associate) in Kilmarnock employer: Heriot-Watt University
Joining Falkirk Football Club as a Growth and Innovation Associate offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of sport and academia, fostering community engagement and financial sustainability. With a competitive salary, access to specialist management training, and a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration, you will be empowered to drive meaningful change while developing your skills alongside experts in the field. This role not only promises professional growth but also allows you to contribute to the club's legacy and its commitment to inclusive governance and digital transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Growth and Innovation Associate (KTP Associate) in Kilmarnock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry, especially those linked to Falkirk FC or Heriot-Watt University. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out for informational chats.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects and how they relate to the role. This is your chance to demonstrate your data literacy and project management prowess in a way that’s engaging and memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions related to growth and innovation in sports. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to refine your answers and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the StudySmarter community and the exciting work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Growth and Innovation Associate (KTP Associate) in Kilmarnock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Growth and Innovation Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in sport business, project management, and data literacy to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, don’t hold back! Use clear, concise language in your application and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past projects or roles.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Football:We want to see your enthusiasm for the sport and its business side. Share any experiences or insights you have about football clubs, community engagement, or innovative practices that could benefit Falkirk FC.
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 with Falkirk FC and Heriot-Watt University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Growth and Innovation Associate, especially in the context of Falkirk FC and Heriot-Watt University. Brush up on their current projects, values, and how they engage with supporters. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since this role involves data-led decision-making, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and reporting. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive results in previous projects. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to their commercial sustainability goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement during the interview. Discuss how you've successfully interacted with various groups, whether in workshops or presentations. This is crucial for the role, so showing that you can effectively communicate and collaborate will set you apart.
✨Be Proactive and Adaptable
Falkirk FC is looking for someone who is self-motivated and adaptable. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and adapted to changing circumstances. This will illustrate your resilience and commitment to project success, which are key traits for this position.
