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- Tasks: Lead engaging conversations with tech-savvy clients and develop meaningful partnerships.
- Company: Join Outsmart Insight, a trusted tech intelligence company shaping the future.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in emerging technology while enjoying autonomy and ownership.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in client-facing roles, with a passion for technology and innovation.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment focused on long-term relationships and trust.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Pitch. It's a fun job with a great team - and it's a serious one too. This is not a traditional business development role. You won't be pitching products, chasing leads or working from scripts. Instead, you'll be working at the intersection of emerging technology, strategy, and long-term client relationships, helping some of the world's most influential R&D-led organisations make sense of what's coming next, and decide where to engage. If you enjoy intelligent conversations with very smart people, are comfortable with ambiguity, and want real ownership rather than a narrow sales remit, this role will feel unusually well-matched.
The role as Client Development Lead – Emerging Technology & Strategy, you will take ownership of how Outsmart Insight develops and grows its client relationships as we enter our next phase of scale. You will work directly with senior leaders (CTOs, Heads of Innovation, R&D Directors, technical strategists) across defence, aerospace, energy, elite sports, advanced manufacturing and government. Your job is to develop clients, not "sell to them":
- Turning early curiosity into meaningful, funded engagements
- Shaping broad conversations into well-scoped pilots
- Growing trust-based relationships into long-term partnerships
This is a role for someone who wants to be close to decision-making, not buried in process.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading senior-level, consultative conversations with technically sophisticated clients
- Developing new client relationships and expanding existing strategic accounts
- Helping clients define the right problem to explore before money is spent
- Structuring pilots and guiding clients through how to buy, not just what to buy
- Acting as a trusted interface between deep technical insight and commercial outcomes
- Feeding market insight back into how we shape and position our services
- Working closely with delivery teams to ensure credibility, quality and follow-through
This is low-volume, high-trust work. Success is measured in relationship depth and repeat engagement, not activity metrics.
The technology landscape you'll gain exposure to – and be expected to engage thoughtfully with – includes:
- Artificial intelligence and human–machine teaming
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Advanced sensing, haptics and human performance engineering
- Secure communications and resilient architectures
- Next-generation materials and energy systems
You don't need to be an expert. You do need to be genuinely curious.
Who this role is for: This role is designed for someone who is:
- Mid-career and ready for greater autonomy and ownership
- Comfortable working with ambiguity and incomplete information
- Credible with technical, sceptical audiences
- Motivated by long-term impact rather than short-term wins
- Calm, thoughtful, and intellectually curious
Many strong candidates have experience within:
- Technical / Innovation Consultancy
- Senior Consultant / Principal Consultant (Technology, Innovation, Foresight)
- Innovation Consultant
- Technology Strategy Consultant
- Corporate Innovation / Open Innovation
- Open Innovation Manager
- Innovation Partnerships Manager
- External Innovation Lead
- Technology Scouting Manager
- Research Commercialisation
- Industry Partnerships Manager
- Corporate Venture Manager
- Ecosystem Manager
- Strategic Partnerships Manager
If you've spent years being close to important conversations but not quite owning the outcome, this role is worth your attention.
What we're looking for: Rather than a checklist, we're looking for strong alignment with how we work. In practice, that usually means:
- You'll have 5+ years of experience in senior client-facing, partnership, consulting or commercial roles, ideally in technology-led or R&D-driven environments
- A track record of working with R&D-led or technology-driven organisations
- Comfort operating without scripts, rigid playbooks or heavy supervision
- A background in, or strong affinity for, science, engineering or technology
- The judgement to balance patience with momentum
If you describe yourself primarily as a "closer" or are motivated by aggressive targets, this role is unlikely to be a good fit.
Practicalities:
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, no weekends
- Location: UK-based
- Working style: Remote and flexible arrangements considered
Why Outsmart Insight? Advances in science and technology – from robotics and AI to climate tech and space – are reshaping every industry. Navigating that change requires more than information; it requires judgement, perspective and trust. Outsmart Insight is a technology intelligence company working at the intersection of deep tech and the future. We specialise in horizon scanning, technology monitoring, trend forecasting and innovation scouting, supporting global companies, venture firms and government agencies as they make long-term decisions under uncertainty. We are deliberately intellectually serious, and highly trusted by our clients. As we grow, we are focused on building durable partnerships.
Our values:
- Smart minds, working together
- Quality delivered every time
- Strong client relationships built on trust
- Hard work, rewarded
- A happy, healthy team
Apply: Send a short cover letter and a two-page CV to , outlining why this role and this type of work appeals to you. Please note: only applications sent directly to this email address will be considered.
Client Development Lead – Emerging Technology in England employer: Outsmart Insight
Contact Detail:
Outsmart Insight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Development Lead – Emerging Technology in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company, understand their values, and know their recent projects. This will help you have meaningful conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your consultative skills! Since this role is all about developing client relationships, think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your ability to guide discussions and help clients define their needs. Role-play with a friend if you need to!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Client Development Lead – Emerging Technology in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your thoughts and ideas in a way that feels natural to you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Client Development Lead role. Highlight your experience in client-facing roles and any relevant technology or R&D background to show us why you're a great fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why this role excites you. Share your passion for emerging technology and how your experience can contribute to building long-term client relationships. Keep it concise but impactful!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outsmart Insight
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take the time to really understand what the Client Development Lead role entails. Familiarise yourself with the nuances of working at the intersection of emerging technology and client relationships. This isn't about selling; it's about developing meaningful partnerships, so think about how your experience aligns with this approach.
✨Prepare for Intelligent Conversations
Given that you'll be engaging with senior leaders and technically sophisticated clients, brush up on current trends in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and advanced materials. Prepare thoughtful questions and insights that can spark intelligent discussions, showing your genuine curiosity and ability to engage deeply.
✨Showcase Your Consultative Skills
This role requires a consultative approach rather than a sales-driven mindset. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex client needs, defined problems before solutions, and built trust-based relationships. Highlight your ability to guide clients through ambiguity.
✨Emphasise Long-Term Impact
During the interview, focus on your motivation for long-term impact rather than short-term wins. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to building durable partnerships and your understanding of the importance of patience and momentum in client development. This will resonate well with the company's values.
