Aquaculture Development Officer – Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster Ltd (SAIC) in Inverness

As SAIC is a standalone independent organisation, the Aquaculture Development Officer will play a vital role in delivering SAIC’s mission to accelerate sustainable innovation and strengthen collaboration across Scotland’s aquaculture sector. Working at the intersection of industry, academia, and public funding bodies, the post holder will help shape, develop, and deliver high-impact innovation and research activities that address key challenges and opportunities within the sector. The Aquaculture Development Officer will act as a trusted partner to SAIC’s consortium members and external collaborators. The role requires strong relationship-building, sector insight, and the ability to convert opportunities into well-defined, meaningful projects that drive real value for industry and research partners.

THE ROLE

The Aquaculture Development Officer will support the development, coordination, and management of innovative aquaculture projects and partnerships. Reporting to the Principal Officer / CEO, the post holder will:

• Build strong relationships across industry, academia, and funding landscapes
• Identify development opportunities, emerging themes, and potential collaborative projects
• Support project scoping, funding proposals, and early-stage concept development
• Contribute to SAIC’s growing project pipeline and wider innovation strategy
• Represent SAIC externally and support the promotion of innovation outcomes
• Engage actively with partners to ensure projects deliver measurable impact

This role is suited to an individual with aquaculture knowledge, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Sector Engagement & Partnership Development

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with SAIC consortium members and external partners.
• Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders seeking collaboration opportunities.
• Support the growth of SAIC’s network through events, workshops, and proactive engagement.
• Identify opportunities for impactful innovation partnerships.

Innovation Development & Opportunity Scoping

• Monitor sector trends, challenges, and technological developments.
• Identify innovation needs and opportunities that align with SAIC’s strategic priorities.
• Horizon-scan for public and private funding sources suitable for collaborative projects.
• Support partners through the development of proposals and project concepts.

Project Coordination & Oversight

• Support internal colleagues in managing governance and process requirements for projects.
• Liaise with the Project Support and Finance teams to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
• Monitor project progress, risks, and operational challenges, escalating where necessary.
• Collaborate with partners to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Communication & Knowledge Exchange

• Represent SAIC at industry and academic events, meetings, and conferences.
• Prepare or contribute to presentations, briefing papers, summaries, and project outputs.
• Work alongside SAIC’s Knowledge Exchange and Communications teams to disseminate impact.
• Promote SAIC’s activities and showcase successful project outcomes.

Contribution to SAIC’s Organisational Development

• Support continuous improvement of operational processes and systems.
• Contribute to planning and team discussions, offering insights on sector developments.
• Uphold and actively demonstrate SAIC’s organisational values: support, agility, integrity, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Minimum two years’ experience in the aquaculture sector, either in industry or research.
• Strong understanding of the aquaculture ecosystem, trends, and innovation opportunities.
• Proven relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong communication skills — both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability with a proactive and flexible approach.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Existing professional network across aquaculture industry or research institutions.
• Experience in innovation, knowledge exchange, or collaborative R&D environments.
• Experience developing project proposals or supporting funding applications.
• Familiarity with UK or Scottish innovation funding mechanisms.

BEHAVIOURS & COMPETENCIES (Aligned with the AUA Competency Framework)

• Managing self and personal skills – reflective, adaptable, committed to development.
• Delivering excellent service – proactive, reliable, and partnership-focused.
• Finding solutions – analytical, innovative, and resourceful.
• Embracing change – open to new ideas and adaptable in dynamic environments.
• Using resources effectively – efficient, organised, and mindful of value.
• Engaging with the wider context – aware of sector trends and SAIC’s strategic role.
• Developing self and others – committed to professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Working together – collaborative, inclusive, respectful team member.
• Achieving results – delivery-focused and accountable.