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- Tasks: Lead the governance and operations of the AKT programme, shaping its future direction.
- Company: Join Innovate UK, a leader in driving innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace where your voice matters.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting universities with industry to drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in developing frameworks and managing government-funded programmes is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42839 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 26 May 2026
Department: Place, Skills, & Knowledge Transfer
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Home Based (UK)
Compensation: GBP 40,000 - GBP 42,839 / year
As a key member of the Innovate UK Business Connect Knowledge Transfer (KT) team, this role will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of the strategic objectives of AKT. The Innovate UK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) scheme has delivered four competition rounds and this role will review these and develop a case for mainstream AKT competition, including working with key stakeholders to explore and develop potential delivery models, subject to funding. AKT is a national scheme with a GBP 5m pa budget that supports universities in working with business partners to evaluate and advance new business‑led innovations, where academic knowledge is key in evaluating or advancing the idea.
The post holder will be responsible for developing operational and governance procedures around the management and delivery of the scheme, from competition launch through to close and impact capture. This will require close working with colleagues within Innovate UK, as well as stakeholders in the UK Knowledge Base Community. You will work closely with the AKT Delivery Team to identify trends, make recommendations and map business needs, development of competition frameworks and operational procedures in response to the latest intelligence from key stakeholders. You will liaise closely with Innovate UK Competitions, to ensure that the operations and governance of AKT are aligned with Innovate UK compliance requirements.
Key accountabilities for this role will include, but not be limited to:
- Governance and operational management
- Process & procedure development
- Strategic partnership development
- Marketing
- Grant monitoring and business development
This role will involve representing IUK BC with senior relevant stakeholders, and ensuring AKT activity is visible across IUK and the Knowledge Bases, including HE and FE sectors.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Develop proposal, strategies and priorities for potential future AKT rounds (subject to funding), through evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data and latest intelligence.
- Manage and develop the Governance and Operations processes of the AKT Programme, ensuring compliance with Innovate UK requirements.
- Maintain strong relationships with relevant teams at Innovate UK and other key stakeholders, such as external funders and Knowledge Bases.
- Facilitate opportunities for key stakeholders to contribute feedback and intelligence through the organisation of workshops and other meetings.
- Display and maintain a high level of awareness in a broad range of topics of relevance to the UK capability and industry needs.
- Work with the IUK BC Marketing and Communications team to plan for AKT to be positioned with the requisite profile both within and across sectors.
- Support operationally across the wider KT Product portfolio, as required.
Experience & Skills:
Essential Experience:- Significant experience developing competitions, frameworks, policies and processes
- Experience of working within Government grant‑funded programmes
- Experience of leading and developing high‑performing technical teams across more than one site
- Tangible experience of working between universities and industry
- Track record of delivering projects or programmes to challenging timeframes in a multi‑party environment
- A track record of building effective relationships with key stakeholders ideally including research and industry
- Experience of accessing Innovation support mechanisms for businesses and helping develop funding and investment applications
- Development and management of budgets
- A track record of effective internal team working to ensure transfer of relevant opportunities
- Ability to develop competition frameworks within the Innovate UK Governance Standard
- Skilled in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Highly developed facilitation and stakeholder management skills
- Highly developed interpersonal skills
- Ambassadorial skills and ability to promote the benefits of AKT
- Financial and commercial acumen
- Advanced networking, workshop and meeting skills
- A sound understanding of the research base
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and build effective relationships
- Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open, honest, and diverse environment
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively across multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders, explaining complicated matters simply
- High level of IT literacy
Benefits & how to apply:
This is a Grade 5 role with a salary of GBP 40,000 to GBP 42,839 pa.
28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays
Enhanced Pension Plan
Life Assurance
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme
Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme
Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role. If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk
AKT Governance and Operations Manager (FTC March 2027) employer: Innovate UK Business Connect
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK Business Connect Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AKT Governance and Operations Manager (FTC March 2027)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with Innovate UK or similar programmes. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in governance and operations within the UK Knowledge Base Community. Show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about its impact on innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the AKT’s objectives. Highlight your skills in developing frameworks and managing stakeholder relationships – these are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace AKT Governance and Operations Manager (FTC March 2027)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to the AKT scheme specifically!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your past experiences have prepared you for this position. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to manage governance and operations effectively, as well as your stakeholder management skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your application is easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK Business Connect
✨Know Your AKT Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the AKT scheme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with its past competition rounds and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its future development. This shows your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Given the importance of building relationships with stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder engagement in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and any ambassadorial experiences that demonstrate your ability to promote initiatives effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Operational Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience in developing governance and operational procedures. Think of specific instances where you've implemented processes that improved efficiency or compliance, especially in grant-funded programmes. This will illustrate your capability to manage the AKT Programme effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Practice articulating how you would approach challenges related to competition frameworks or stakeholder feedback. This will help you convey your analytical skills and readiness for the role.