Innovation Manager

Paragraf’s patented contamination-free deposition technology delivers game-changing opportunities for the commercialisation of graphene by allowing us to manufacture high-purity 2D graphene sheets at scale.

Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor processes. We not only specialise in the manufacture of high-purity graphene but also its seamless integration into ready to use products that can be quickly adopted by our customers and partners to support the advancement of their technologies.

At Paragraf we are committed to materially transforming electronics through the development of high-purity graphene products that will facilitate massive improvements in the performance of technologies across all aspects of life.

Founded as a spin out from Cambridge University in 2017 with the aim of transferring the technology from the academic lab into a commercial entity. Since then, we have grown from one site in Somersham, Cambridgeshire and three employees to a team of over 100 people and an additional production facility in Huntingdon as well as sales teams globally promoting Paragraf.

The Role

As Innovation Manager this role is key to the development and execution of activities to identify relevant and innovative opportunities for the Paragraf technology. Alongside the CTO, this role drives the identification of breakthrough technologies and emerging trends, ensuring the team is agile, alert and receptive to opportunities and leads the team to analyse their potential, acting as a catalyst for cross functional collaboration to assess feasibility and proof of concept and hand over onto Product and Development for commercialisation.

Key Tasks

• Work with the CTO to develop and drive the innovation roadmap ensuring it is aligned with business objectives and technology opportunities, providing key technical contributions to strategic decision making.
• Lead the delivery of Proof-of-concept devices and test vehicles for Paragraf’s graphene and other 2-Dimensional materials ensuring relevant emerging technologies become innovation pipelines.
• Lead the progression of the fundamental understanding of graphene in relation to current and future products, fostering a culture of curiosity and questioning, to support and inform the innovation roadmap.
• Provide technical expertise to support production or close to production device development and problem solving to help support informed and aligned decision making and progress.
• Develop the Innovation Team capability to deliver current and future devices as well as support wider team development through coaching and mentoring to promote and encourage personal and professional growth.
• Instigate, build and manage external relationships with both academic and commercial partners to identify collaboration or commercial opportunities which complement or inform the innovation roadmap
• Represent Paragraf at conferences and events in support of commercial and brand building activities to raise the profile of Paragraf technology and inspire new opportunities.
• Support and advise the IP strategy in collaboration with the IP and Legal teams to ensure the IP portfolio is robust and protects Paragraf’s IP comprehensively.
• Complete other duties commensurate with the role’s level as requested

Education and Qualifications

• Educated to Advanced degree level in a materials or engineering discipline
• A relevant professional accreditation with an appropriate professional body

Experience

• Significant experience working at a team lead level in innovation, R&D, product development, or technology development, preferably in a start-up or high-growth deep tech environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage uncertainty, drive innovation initiatives, and communicate across disciplines and engaging with colleagues across the business, working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to demonstrate experience and application of exceptional strategic thinking, problem solving and project leadership skills.
• Proven track record in bringing complex technologies from concept to product

Skills and knowledge

• A strong grasp of complex technologies and the ability to understand potential concepts and applications and communicate those to others effectively.
• Ability to adapt and flex to manage rapid change in priorities and focus with a high tolerance for ambiguity.
• A passion and curiosity for new technology and the ability to engage others and build their enthusiasm.
• A strong understanding of the innovation lifecycle, from concept to commercialisation

Communication

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage a technical and non-technical audience
• Effectively communicate technical information and influence key stakeholders
• Ability to present information clearly and appropriately for the audience

Additional factors

• Respect and adherence to confidentiality and critical matters
• Responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by complying with company policies and processes and all relevant regulations including the use of PPE, as appropriate to the level and scope of the role. This includes participation in health and safety training and reporting of any potential hazards or breaches of safety protocols in the appropriate manner.
• Managers are also expected to contribute to and support the continuous improvement of health and safety practices, encouraging a proactive culture of awareness and prevention within the team.
• Willing to travel both domestically and internationally
• UK Driving licence

At Paragraf we are constantly looking for new ways to support and reward our team. This is our current list of benefits, they are subject to change and review:

• Group Personal Pension Plan- Employer contribution 5%, Employee contribution minimum 4%
• Private health insurance on completion of probation
• Share Option scheme
• Death in service of 3 times salary and income protection on completion of probation
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, and the chance to ‘purchase’ up to 5 additional days each year
• Personal and Professional Development Plans and support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Payroll Giving scheme

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