At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative strategies for national security and defence.
- Company: Innovate UK, a forward-thinking organisation focused on impactful innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in national security while collaborating with diverse partners.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or experience in defence and security innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 77368 £ per year.
This is a new, critical role helping lead the development and delivery of Innovate UK's National Security and Defence strategy and systems. The role operates across Innovate UK, UKRI, and the wider defence and national security ecosystem to establish a coherent partnering approach and an effective dual use operating model.
We particularly welcome female applicants as women are under represented within Innovate UK in this type of role.
Job Purpose
The Innovation Lead - National Security and Defence will lead the design and delivery of Innovate UK's approach to national security and defence innovation, creating a dual use operating model that supports high potential businesses to scale and deliver critical capability.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Strategy and Partnerships - Lead the development of Innovate UK's National Security and Defence innovation strategy, working across the NS&D programme team, wider IUK and helping to shape and integrate this with the broader UKRI programme. Build partnerships across government, industry, Catapults and the wider ecosystem. Embed innovation fundamentals including inclusive innovation, regulation & standards, skills and place & global across the programme. Work with the Catapult MoD Alliance group to develop relevant capability across the Catapult Network to support Industrial Strategy priorities: directly into Security & MoD, and through effective integration with the UKRI programme.
- Dual Use Operating Model - Design and shape changes to enhance Innovate UK's dual use operating model. Develop matrix delivery approaches drawing on expertise from other growth sector teams including Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Digital & Technologies. Ensure effective programme join up and pathways from the wider UKRI programme, built around translation of research excellence into high potential businesses. Support the development of a 'Fit for Defence' Velocity capability for high potential businesses, helping develop the core IUK offer and working with ecosystem partners to ensure IUK's new offer enhances and doesn't compete with other offers. Working with the Governance and Operations teams, establish an enhanced trusted research and innovation framework to deliver the NS&D programme and other dual use technologies, covering policy, people, processes and systems.
- Other duties across the wider directorate, commensurate with the band and level of responsibility of this post.
Person Specification
Experience & Qualifications
- Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Up to date and broad based knowledge of innovation in the defence and security sector.
- Appreciation of the wider industrial landscape in the UK, the key businesses and initiatives relevant to security and defence and the main challenges and opportunities that exist.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders across government and industry.
- Technical credibility with strong collaborative skills.
- Experience designing operating models and governance.
- Willingness and ability to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
Competencies
- Thinking and Problem Solving
- Stakeholder management
- Communication skills
- Influencing
- Self awareness / self management
- Strategic awareness
- Working with others
- Project management
Travel Requirements
Field based: There will be a requirement to travel, mostly national, with some flexibility. Innovate UK staff use telepresence tools for meetings to minimise travel.
Innovation Lead - National Security and Defence (Strategy and Systems) in Canterbury employer: PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
Innovate UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful careers in national security and defence innovation. With a strong commitment to inclusive practices and employee development, Innovate UK fosters a collaborative work culture where innovative ideas thrive, providing ample opportunities for growth and partnership within the wider defence ecosystem. Located in a dynamic field-based environment, employees benefit from engaging with key stakeholders across government and industry, contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of national security.
Contact Details:
PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Lead - National Security and Defence (Strategy and Systems) in Canterbury
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We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Lead - National Security and Defence (Strategy and Systems) in Canterbury
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Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein).
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How to prepare for a job interview at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
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In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein). This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
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