Executive Director

Application Deadline: 26 May 2026

Department: MD Office

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Home Based (UK)

Compensation: £100,000 - £110,000 / year

At Innovate UK Business Connect we play a key role in accelerating UK innovation to improve lives and livelihoods and create growth across the UK. At the heart of this mission lies our network of networks – the trusted, diverse and dynamic system of innovators, businesses, researchers, investors and partners who make innovation happen. The Executive Director will “own” the portfolio for the network of networks - leading the people, relationships and strategic activity that bring this to life. They will ensure that our connections across industry, academia, government and regions translate into collaborations, investment and innovation outcomes, and that our networks continue to be one of the UK’s richest sources of innovation intelligence and opportunity.

The role will also ensure that businesses and stakeholders experience a clear, accessible and high‑value engagement journey with Innovate UK Business Connect, enabling innovators to move quickly from initial contact to meaningful support, connection or opportunity. This is a high‑profile, business‑facing leadership role for an energetic and visionary connector who can inspire, convene and lead by example – translating the complexity of the UK innovation landscape into powerful connections that accelerate innovation and deliver impact.

This role is part of a system, in which Innovate UK Business Connect works as a strategic delivery partner to Innovate UK, and as part of UKRI. Developing, maintaining and strengthening relationships across these organisations and the wider system, are key to the success of this role and those we work with.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Lead the organisation’s work to grow, strengthen and activate the UK’s innovation networks, ensuring they deliver tangible value for businesses, partners and the wider innovation system.
  • Shape and deliver a network strategy that aligns with Innovate UK’s strategy, the UK’s industrial strategy, sector priorities and government missions.
  • Lead the organisation’s role in identifying, engaging and supporting the UK’s most promising high‑potential businesses and innovators, ensuring they are connected to the opportunities, partners and programmes that accelerate their growth.
  • Act as a senior external ambassador for Innovate UK Business Connect, building visibility, trust and influence across business, academia and government.
  • Work closely with the Managing Director and other Directors to ensure the network is fully integrated with our digital, data, communication and programme delivery activities.
  • Represent Innovate UK Business Connect at relevant network and innovation events, showcasing the strength of our network and the opportunities it creates.
  • Ensure insights gathered through the network are captured and can be translated into strategic intelligence that informs programme design, emerging innovation opportunities and innovation policy / strategy.
• Network Development and Engagement
  • Lead a portfolio of business‑facing initiatives that are visible and connected across the UK innovation ecosystem.
  • Work with colleagues at UKRI, Innovate UK and with our Director of Engagement and External Affairs to create a clear and consistent engagement experience for innovators and partners, ensuring enquiries, introductions and opportunities are handled efficiently and lead to meaningful progression.
  • Drive excellence in relationship management — ensuring consistent, high‑quality engagement with businesses, funders and partners, as well as strong collaboration across the Innovate UK system.
  • Work closely with our insights and data experts to oversee the mapping and curation of networks of networks, ensuring we connect founders, investors, policymakers and researchers in ways that spark collaboration and growth.
  • Encourage and enable our people to be outward‑facing connectors — actively convening communities, identifying opportunities and building partnerships that advance UK innovation.
  • Ensure the organisation maintains a deep and up‑to‑date understanding of the innovators, businesses and organisations within our network, enabling more effective connections and support.
  • Ensure our network is inclusive and accessible, creating pathways for innovators from every region and background to connect and thrive.
• Collaboration and System Connectivity
  • Work with Innovate UK, UKRI, the Catapult Network, the IUK Business Growth Network and other strategic partners to ensure joined‑up engagement and intelligence sharing across the innovation system.
  • Ensure the network acts as an enabling capability across the innovation system, supporting Innovate UK, UKRI and broader partners to identify opportunities, connect capabilities and accelerate innovation outcomes.
  • Strengthen strategic relationships and work with Innovate UK and the Director of Engagement and External Affairs to embed a clear account ownership approach across sectors and priority partners, ensuring consistent engagement with key organisations and stakeholders.
  • Work across the organisation to ensure insights gathered through our networks are captured effectively and contribute to a shared understanding of the innovation landscape, including through tools such as the Single Customer View.
  • Work with colleagues across programmes and portfolios to ensure that network intelligence informs the design of programmes, challenge areas and innovation initiatives.
  • Partner with those leading on Communications to amplify stories from the network and communicate the impact of connections that drive growth and change.
• Demonstrating Value and Insight
  • Ensure the organisation systematically captures and communicates the outcomes and progression resulting from network activity, helping demonstrate the value of connection, collaboration and engagement.
  • Play a key role in ensuring that we generate strategic insights from the network, identifying trends, emerging opportunities and challenges across sectors, technologies and regions.
  • Support the publication and sharing of insights that inform decision‑making across Innovate UK, government and the wider innovation ecosystem.
  • Ensure programmes and network initiatives are designed with clear objectives and pathways to impact, enabling the organisation to understand what works and continuously improve its approach.
  • Build the organisation’s reputation as a trusted source of insight and intelligence on the UK innovation ecosystem.
• Leadership and Culture
  • Build on and lead a high‑performing team who embody openness, creativity, curiosity and determination.
  • Model a culture of connection, generosity and purposeful networking across the organisation.
  • Provide clear leadership and direction so that teams understand their role in delivering organisational objectives and supporting the UK innovation system.
  • Mentor and empower staff to represent Innovate UK Business Connect externally with confidence and authenticity.
  • Inspire creativity and collaboration – ensuring our people feel part of a shared mission to make innovation work better, faster and for more people.
  • Foster an inclusive, supportive and high‑performing culture where individuals feel valued, respected and able to contribute fully.

• Essential Experience
  • Proven experience leading large‑scale stakeholder, partnership or network engagement within business, innovation or public service environments.
  • Strong track record of building and sustaining senior‑level relationships across government, industry, academia and investment.
  • Experience designing or leading strategic engagement or partnership programmes that deliver meaningful business or innovation outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
  • Experience translating complex systems or policy environments into clear opportunities and practical action.
  • Confident and credible external presence, comfortable speaking and influencing at the most senior levels.
  • Understanding of the UK industrial strategy, sector plans and growth missions.
  • Experience convening cross‑sector collaborations or ecosystems that drive innovation.
  • Experience generating or applying strategic insight drawn from networks, communities or innovation ecosystems.
• Desirable Experience
  • Experience working within or alongside Innovate UK, UKRI, Catapults or other national innovation bodies.
• Skills and Attributes
  • Motivated, visible and relationship‑driven leader with exceptional communication skills.
  • Ability to simplify complexity – translating innovation systems and policies into actionable opportunities.
  • Collaborative and pragmatic, with the ability to unite diverse interests around shared goals.
  • Strategic thinker with a practical, hands‑on approach to delivery.
  • Curious, outward‑looking and motivated by building connections that unlock opportunity.
  • Passionate about innovation, networks and the power of human connection to create change.

This is a Grade 2 role with a salary of £100,000 to £110,000 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.

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.