Director of Growth - Science and Technology in London

Director of Growth - Science and Technology in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Plexal

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead growth strategies and engage with the UK government on tech innovation.
  • Company: Plexal, a dynamic innovation and growth company in the tech sector.
  • Benefits: Annual bonus, generous pension, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology while making a real impact on society.
  • Qualifications: Experience in consulting or tech with strong public sector engagement skills.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

The Director of Growth - Science and Technology will lead Plexal's commercial engagement and growth with the UK government's science and technology community and across the UK's priority technology areas. In addition to leading Plexal's strategy and engagement with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), this role will be responsible for public sector customer engagement, proposition development and shaping and executing commercial strategies that expand Plexal's advisory and consulting footprint across UK government over the next 3 years.

Working at the intersection of innovation, technology, and public‐sector transformation, this role would suit a commercially astute, relationship‐oriented consulting leader. Success in this role will require the ability to understand the UK's frontier technology and industrial strategy priorities, in order to shape and commercialise a focussed portfolio of services and propositions that address UK government policy needs.

This role will be required to interpret and integrate complex customer needs, commercial ambition and delivery and account oversight. You will be accountable for driving business development and growth in the public sector through securing multi‐year contracts, pursuing strategic opportunities and establishing coalitions and partnerships which position Plexal as the UK's leading organisation for government innovation and delivery.

What You'll Do
  • Government Sector Growth Leadership
    • Identify, prioritise and lead the pursuit of major growth opportunities across UK government in support of key priorities such as frontier technology development, sovereign technology, economic growth and technology adoption.
    • Shape and develop Plexal's position and thought leadership on critical national technology issues.
    • Build and execute go‐to‐market strategies that deliver long‐term, sustainable revenue growth through multi‐year contracts and partnerships.
  • Strategic Relationship Management
    • Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior civil servants, officials and influential ecosystem partners.
    • Position Plexal as a trusted advisor, thought leader and long‐term strategic partner on cross‐cutting technology and innovation priorities.
    • Represent Plexal at high‐level government engagements, policy roundtables, and industry forums.
  • Opportunity Development & Commercial Leadership
    • Own the full public sector commercial cycle—from early opportunity shaping through to pursuit, contracting and onboarding and renewal.
    • Shape Plexal's long‐term commercial positioning and development of routes to market, including identifying framework opportunities, direct pursuits and partnering models to drive Plexal's growth.
    • Develop and iterate Plexal's value propositions across a range of strategic technologies (e.g. cyber, AI, quantum, advanced communications) and objectives (e.g. security, resilience, public good, economic growth).
    • Oversee the creation of tender responses, bids, proposals, challenge books, and commercial models.
    • Work with delivery leaders to ensure proposed solutions are feasible, compelling, and aligned to customer outcomes.
  • Customer Success & Account Ownership
    • Ensure exceptional customer experience across all government accounts.
    • Proactively monitor customer KPIs, contract performance, and long‐term satisfaction.
    • Lead account reviews and ensure consistent communication with key stakeholders.
  • Internal Leadership & Collaboration
    • Work closely with senior leaders across Innovation Services, Product, Marketing, Delivery, and People & Culture.
    • Contribute to broader organisational development, including new proposition development, talent development, culture and operational excellence.
    • Mentor, develop and line‐manage team members supporting government accounts and critical campaigns.
Essential - Your Experience
  • Consulting or industry experience gained in a technology or advisory environment with demonstrable experience in delivering customer impact in the UK public sector.
  • Proven experience in leading relationship‐based pursuits, business development, or commercial teams/functions within a UK public sector context.
  • Previous exposure to working with large consulting organisations and developing joint propositions.
  • Strong understanding of public‐sector procurement, compliance, and funding mechanisms.
  • Track record of securing and managing multi‐million‐pound government contracts.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management skills at senior levels.
  • Ability to navigate complex political and organisational environments.
  • Strong commercial acumen and experience designing go‐to‐market strategies.
Desirable
  • Domain experience in frontier technology areas such as AI, quantum or advanced communications.
  • Experience working in innovation, start‐up or defence sectors.
  • Exposure to multi‐partner programmes or consortia.
Who You Are
  • Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for technology, innovation and societal impact.
  • Mindset and drive to execute end‐to‐end.
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast‐paced environments.
  • Collaborative, inclusive, and values‐driven approach.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, influencing and relationship management skills.
  • Willingness to undertake regular national travel (>40%) and occasional international travel.
  • Open to UK Nationals who hold or are eligible for Security Check (SC) clearance.
  • Commitment to Plexal's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Why us?

Plexal's Values

  • Mission: We inherit the mission of UK government and deliver it in an agile and creative fashion.
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of working together.
  • Equality: We strengthen ourselves as a team by embracing the different.
  • Care: People are at the heart of what we do; we care about our customers, members and colleagues.

As a start‐up, we thrive in a dynamic and fast‐paced work environment dedicated to empowering innovators. We embrace individuals who leverage technology and creativity to tackle our greatest challenges head‐on. We strongly advocate for maintaining a harmonious work‐life balance, our goal is to ensure every member of our team can authentically be themselves and live their best lives. We firmly believe that innovation and creativity flourish when we cultivate a diverse workforce, comprising highly skilled individuals with a wide range of perspectives to contribute.

In Return We Will Offer You
  • Annual bonus scheme
  • A generous pension scheme (with a company contribution of up to 10%)
  • Private healthcare, life assurance and critical illness cover
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Volunteering day

Plexal is an equal opportunities employer and we actively encourage applicants from individuals from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Committed employer and are willing to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Plexal is the innovation and growth company helping to strengthen the UK's technology capabilities through collaboration. With teams in London, Manchester and Cheltenham, we work closely with government, industry, startups and academia to drive economic growth and reinforce national security. Founded by Delancey in 2017, Plexal delivers four core services: creating workspaces for innovators, running innovation programmes and consultancy, building regional tech clusters and helping SMEs scale strategically. By closing the gap between early‐stage and established organisations – across the public and private sectors at home and abroad – we've impacted over 1,200 businesses, added £731m to the UK economy and helped create 9,400 jobs. Headquartered at Here East on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Plexal partners with organisations including the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the National Cyber Security Centre, Airbus, Amazon, Barclays Eagle Labs, Google Cloud, TfL, The Alan Turing Institute and the University of Oxford.

Director of Growth - Science and Technology in London employer: Plexal

Plexal is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering its employees to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and public sector transformation. With a strong commitment to professional growth, Plexal offers extensive opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and strategic leadership, all while providing competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, and a focus on work-life balance. Located in the vibrant Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, employees enjoy a stimulating environment that encourages creativity and diverse perspectives, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the UK’s technology landscape.

Plexal

Contact Details:

Plexal Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Growth - Science and Technology in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the science and technology sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you meet someone in the field, share your insights on current trends or challenges in the UK government’s tech landscape. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also sparks engaging conversations that could lead to job opportunities.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies like Plexal and express your interest in contributing to their mission. A well-timed email or message can make a lasting impression and put you on their radar.

Tip Number 4

Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s goals and challenges. Research Plexal’s recent projects and think about how your skills can help them achieve their objectives. Tailoring your approach shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Growth - Science and Technology in London

Commercial Strategy Development
Public Sector Engagement
Relationship Management
Business Development
Stakeholder Management
Understanding of Public-Sector Procurement
Go-to-Market Strategy Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the UK public sector and technology. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Director of Growth role.

Showcase Your Relationships:This role is all about building strong connections, so don’t shy away from sharing examples of your past relationship management successes. We’re keen to see how you’ve engaged with senior civil servants or influential partners in your previous roles.

Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone who can think big! Use your application to illustrate your strategic mindset and how you've shaped go-to-market strategies or commercial propositions in the past. Show us your entrepreneurial spirit!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Plexal

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK’s frontier technology and industrial strategy priorities. Brush up on recent developments in AI, quantum, and advanced communications, as these are key areas for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and passion.

Build Relationships

Since this role involves strategic relationship management, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior civil servants and influential partners. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your experience in leading business development and securing multi-million-pound contracts. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that led to successful outcomes. This will help illustrate your capability to drive growth in the public sector.

Engage with Plexal's Values

Familiarise yourself with Plexal's mission and values, especially around collaboration, equality, and care. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.