Senior Technology Adoption Specialist (Made Smarter) - London in Castle Point

Made Smarter is a Department for Business and Trade (DBT) funded programme that focuses on boosting manufacturing SME productivity, growth and efficiency. It was launched in 2019 in the North-West of England and has since been rolled out across another five regions in the UK. The London Made Smarter programme launched in April 2025 and will be delivered by L&P in the Small Business Directorate.

Purpose of the role

The Senior Technology Adoption Specialist (Senior TAS) will manage SME outreach and engagement to ensure strong participation in the programme. They will be responsible for delivering high‑quality industrial digital technology (IDT) support, guiding SMEs through their adoption journey, and ensuring all activities meet the programme’s standards of excellence.

• Work with the Head of Small Business Programmes along with the Senior Programme Manager on programme planning, technical delivery, monitoring, reporting and stakeholder engagement, and the continuous innovation and improvement for the programme.
• Be an ambassador for the programme, to build visibility with SMEs and potential collaborators across London boroughs and manage the relationship with relevant SME and industry networks.
• Achieve programme KPIs related to technical adoption activity, reaching target number of Registrations, Digital Adoption Workshops and Roadmaps, and Intensive Support.
• Manage a personal portfolio of manufacturing and engineering SMEs.
• Provide strategic digital transformation advice and create bespoke IDT adoption roadmaps.
• Line manage, supervise and coach a team of Technology Adoption Specialists, ensuring high-quality delivery, performance management, and professional development.
• Work with the Senior Programme Manager to deliver the Alumni activity, including sourcing expert speakers and identifying SME case studies.
• Support the Marketing and PR team to increase visibility and reputation of London & Partners and the programme, such as identifying SMEs case studies and engaging in press opportunities where relevant.

The Senior TAS will operate all across London and will work from the L&P main office as well as remotely, including site visits to the business’ premises of the SMEs supported.

Key Tasks

• Leadership and Line Management

• Lead, manage, and coach a small team of Technology Adoption Specialists to achieve programme KPIs and quality standards.
• Line management of the team of Technology Adoption Specialists, conducting regular one-to-ones, performance reviews, and team meetings to ensure a collaborative and high-performing culture, and identify training and development opportunities.
• Work with the Head of Small Business Programmes and Senior Programme Manager to ensure adherence to programme delivery plan; meeting timelines, budget and outputs.
• Review and quality-assure client outputs such as IDT Roadmaps to ensure consistency and compliance with programme standards.
• Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the role and participate in appropriate training/development activities to improve your people management and technical skills.

• Manage a portfolio of SME manufacturing and engineering businesses, conducting diagnostics and designing bespoke IDT Transformation Roadmaps.
• Be focused on supporting your team to provide a quality and seamless customer service for SMEs.
• Provide expert advice on adopting relevant digital technologies, drawing on experience in areas such as automation, AI, systems integration, or additive manufacturing.
• Support businesses in applying for grant funding and internship applications; preparing investment documentation, and presenting to funding panels.
• Facilitate workshops, training, and site visits to foster engagement and knowledge sharing.
• Support the delivery of Alumni events, identifying key themes to support SME needs, and speakers.

• Represent London & Partners and Made Smarter London at industry events, conferences, and policy roundtables to promote the programme.
• Build strong relationships with local manufacturing networks, innovation centres, academic institutions and experts across Digital Transformation, who we may collaborate with to enhance our programme offering to SMEs.
• Work collaboratively with peer TAS across the Made Smarter Adoption group and delivery partners to align and share best practice.

• Ensure accurate data capture and reporting in CRM and programme management systems.
• Monitor progress against KPIs and funding requirements, providing regular performance updates to the Head of Small Business Programmes and Senior Programme Manager.
• Work with the Head of Small Business Programme and Senior Programme Manager on continuous improvement of the programme, to optimise customer journeys, increase performance and efficiencies within the programme.
• Identify trends, barriers and opportunities arising from SME engagements and share insights to inform future strategy.
• Work closely with the Made Smarter team to test and implement ideas.

You’ll have/bring Experience

• Demonstrable experience leading and coaching teams in a technical, innovation, or SME advisory setting.
• Line-management experience; setting objectives, performance management and professional development plans.
• Proven track record of delivering successful IDT adoption or digital transformation projects in manufacturing or engineering contexts.
• Experience working with SMEs to develop digital strategies, improve productivity, or access innovation funding.
• Strong stakeholder engagement experience, ideally within business support, innovation ecosystems, manufacturing networks or government-funded programmes.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience of client and account management.
• Strong leadership, people management, and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Skilled in diagnosing business needs and designing tailored digital adoption technology roadmaps.
• Confident in presenting to senior stakeholders and representing programmes publicly.
• Well-developed IT skills, including an understanding of computerised management information systems, spreadsheets, diary management, e-mail and CRM databases.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs) and their application in manufacturing.
• Strong links and knowledge of business networks across London’s manufacturing and industrial digital technology sectors.
• At least degree level with a relevant technical, digital or business education with relevant experience of digital technologies or degree level qualification with a management body or the relevant business experience to match.
• Knowledge of the UK business support landscape, innovation funding, and SME growth challenges.
• Awareness of monitoring and reporting requirements for public-funded programmes.
• Understanding of customer focused approach of working with businesses to foster engagement and encourage commitment to working towards economic development.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant technical, engineering, or business discipline.
• Project management, leadership, or coaching qualifications are desirable.

You’ll Get

• Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
• Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
• Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
• Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.
• WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.

London's diversity is its biggest asset. At London & Partners, we aim to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the city that we promote. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or assignment, faith or disability. We also appreciate that many people require flexibility in their working patterns and encourage you to talk to us at interview about any flexibility you may need, be it full-time, job-share, or part-time.

We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.