Applications must be submitted by;
14-07-2026Innovation Lead - National Security & Defence
You will be joining a team of specialists at the heart of this fast-moving and high-profile programme, in its early stages of set-up, to deliver against national R&D priorities.
*Please note this advert will close on the 13th of July 2026 at 23.59pm.
Watch our video “Why Join Innovate UK?” here.
Title: Innovation Lead - National Security & Defence
Band: UKRI Band F (UKRI Ts & Cs)
Salary: £58,589 gross per annum
Reports to: Deputy Challenge Director
Location: Field based
Contract: Permanent
Innovate UK recognises the importance of work-life balance and we will be happy to discuss any requests for flexible working arrangements.
Context:
Innovate UK is adapting its strategy to align more closely with the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy (2025). A new area of focus will be supporting National Security & Defence (NSAD) objectives and the growth of companies involved in the development of dual-use technologies. To fulfill these objectives, a new programme launched in April to be delivered by the new [National Security &] Defence (NS&D) Growth Sector team, and a key part of the broader UKRI NS&D programme.
The aim of the Dual-Use Technology Innovation Programme (DTIP) is to help deliver a resilient, sovereign, and technologically advanced UK NS&D ecosystem by 2030 through targeted, collaborative, and regionally inclusive innovation investment in dual-use technologies. This will create opportunities for a high-growth economy that catalyses rapid growth amongst our most promising businesses alongside delivering NS&D specific objectives.
Working with stakeholders across government to identify and exploit the commercial potential of these technology flows will be a key theme of the DTIP programme. We will support the transfer of technologies from civil to defence and unlock new markets for defence and security applications, with a key focus on positioning public-sector users and defence supply-chains as launch customers. We will also work to build the industrial capability and resilience of key dual-use sectors and remove barriers to adoption for the use of autonomous platforms and enabling technologies.
The overall DTIP programme will focus on:
Establishing the Dual-use concept as the primary delivery mechanism for UKRI’s industry focussed NS&D activities, building relationships across industry and government and providing a platform for sustained innovation and growth through high potential businesses in the prioritised thematic areas.
Problem-focused research and development - Developing an Innovate UK operating model to deliver for NS&D, aligned with the wider UKRI research portfolio to feed NS&D & growth opportunities.
Addressing immediate NS&D & civil priorities, including autonomous systems, and reducing barriers to the adoption of other key dual-use technologies whilst providing continuity of support to sectors with significant dual-use potential.
Addressing the R&D needs of the UK’s National Security agencies and civil security providers – including halting the illegal use of drones to deliver items into prisons.
Exploring opportunities for international partnerships, opening new markets for UK companies and contributing to HMG commitments with strategic allies.
Connecting with government’s other flagship R&D programmes, leveraging the technical developments and aligning with defence and security objectives to accelerate progress and position UK businesses amongst global leaders.
Build effective partnerships with MoD and other government departments and agencies
We particularly welcome female applicants as women are under-represented within Innovate UK in this type of role.
Job Purpose:
You will be joining a team of specialists at the heart of this fast-moving and high-profile programme, in its early stages of set-up, to deliver against national R&D priorities.
Reporting to the Deputy Challenge Director, this role will put the successful candidate at the forefront of cutting-edge technology development spanning defence & security and civil applications. The successful candidate will work with a wide range of industry and public-sector partners to deliver this significant R&D programme. By using the insight gained from stakeholders the role-holder will be asked to propose and deliver activities, studies and further funding to help the programme meet its objectives. As a knowledgeable advocate of the technologies being developed, you will engage with colleagues across the public sector to support integration with complementary innovation programmes. Engaging with wider technical and business communities will also be required, as is working internally with colleagues at Innovate UK and in the broader civil service.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Build strong working relationships with relevant bodies and networks to support the development and delivery of thematic programme priorities. These include, but are not limited to, businesses, trade associations, Catapults, government departments and agencies, private investors, regulatory bodies and research organisations.
- Identify, negotiate and establish new partnership arrangements to leverage private and other public funding and support to businesses, to deliver an improved (business) customer experience and outcomes.
- Work with internal colleagues to ensure the dissemination of results and sharing of key learnings.
- Identify and support the active management of high potential businesses within the NS&D sector and support their growth journey via targeted interventions.
- Take on responsibility for managing a portfolio of complex R&D projects, working closely project tea ms, Monitoring Service Providers (MSPs) and internal colleagues to support their operational and technical needs throughout their project lifecycle.
- Undertake project visits as appropriate, working with other internal parties to ensure stakeholder disputes are handled efficiently and successes are recognised and communicated effectively.
- Represent Innovate UK at events such as conferences, meetings, workshops, developing a strong network of stakeholders.
This is not an exhaustive list and you might be encouraged to undertake any other duties across the wider directorate, commensurate with the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post holder has the key experience and/or training.
Shortlisting criteria
(S) – Assessed at shortlisting
(I) – Assessed at interview
(S&I) – Assessed at both shortlisting and interview
Person Specification:
We are looking for someone with commercial awareness who can manage a diverse range of activities and a sophisticated partner environment. You will be able to make sense of multiple data sources, to establish underlying patterns and articulate a clear and compelling vision of what needs to be done. A great teammate, willing to share knowledge learn from others and also able to work independently when needed.
Experience & Qualifications:
This role requires an individual with a blend of commercial awareness and technical acumen who can manage competing priorities in a complex stakeholder environment. The post holder will need to work with and make sense of multiple information sources and clearly articulate what needs to be done to support the delivery of a complex and broad aviation innovation programme and translate this into a series of deliverable activities. Possessing excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, the role holder should be able to work comfortably with industry executives, civil servants and internal colleagues. We are looking for a team player with the ability to work effectively with others and support emerging tasking that may be unfamiliar. Identifying and negotiating positive collaborations and partnership opportunities is also desirable.
Qualifications:
- Degree or post-graduate qualification in a subject relating to engineering, defence or autonomous systems or with proven relevant experience (S)
Essential –
- Appreciation of the wider industrial landscape in the UK, the key businesses and support initiatives and the main challenges and opportunities that exist for R&D and growth. (S&I)
- Knowledge and experience of innovation and a general understanding of the support needed by both SMEs and larger companies to develop and deploy new technologies (S&I)
- Familiarity with the wider research environment, and how research and innovation programmes move through to deployment and measurable impact (S&I)
- Experience in communication, negotiation, and liaison with businesses, government departments, trade bodies, regulators, and research institutes to develop partnerships and influence agendas (S&I)
- Willingness and ability to obtain at least Security Check (SC) level clearances. Further information available here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/sc-guidance-pack-for-applicants (I)
Competencies:
All team members demonstrate compatibility with and capability against our Core Competencies such as:
Thinking and Problem Solving – Stakeholder management – Communication skills – Influencing – Self-awareness/self-management – Strategic awareness – Working with others– Project management
Some of the above competencies will be assessed at interview stage, in addition to the criteria’s listed in the person specification.
Travel Requirements:
Field-based: There will a requirement to travel, mostly national, and there is some flexibility in this. Innovate UK staff make extensive use of telepresence tools for meetings to minimise unnecessary travel.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
Innovate UK is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will build a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met. Underpinning this is a belief that it is a fundamental right for everyone to be treated equally, with fairness, respect and dignity. We will act directly and use our influence to ensure that this right is promoted and upheld; we encourage applications from all those who meet the criteria set-out in our role profiles.
Equal Opportunities:
We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to employing any person who meets the criteria for our roles. When undertaking recruitment we may require applicants to undertake certain tests or assessments, some of which will be online and others may be in-person. If you have a disability, heath condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia then you may be entitled to support with undertaking this type of assessment exercise. Where you feel that reasonable adjustments are required to support you, we ask that you advise your recruitment point of contact in a timely fashion, providing further information. In confidence, Innovate UK will then review your application for adjustments and provide support as required.
UK Research and Innovation:
Innovate UK is partner organisation within UK Research and Innovation. If successful in securing the position, your employer will be UK Research and Innovation. More information can be found online http://www.ukri.org/.
Employee Benefits:
We offer a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible working hours, an exceptional defined benefit pension scheme, and access to a variety of support networks and discount schemes.
Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Flexible Working:
We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants.
Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Pre-employment Screening:
To enable us to hire the very best people we will conduct a comprehensive pre-employment check on successful applicants as part of the recruitment process.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider how this aligns with your personal values or beliefs. To enable us to hire the very best people we will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as a crucial part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check.
Applications must be submitted by;
14-07-2026
