Engagement Manager in London

At Rapid Innovation Group (RIG) we accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies for a better world. Join a driven, learning-oriented company doing work that matters. We believe that many of the solutions to the greatest climate, environmental, agricultural, and human health challenges the world faces lie with existing technology. These technologies can only make a meaningful impact if they achieve widespread market use. It is at this junction where we operate: working with visionary entrepreneurs, high-impact technology companies, mission-driven investors, and forward-thinking industrial corporates to catalyse the early adoption of transformative technology.

Within our business, we have six core practice areas:

• Agriculture
• Food
• Biotechnology
• Materials (including the Circular Economy)

We support a portfolio of early-stage technology companies operating in one or more of these areas as they navigate the journey from early technology development through to becoming a new industry standard. We work with companies to discover the right first industrial applications, develop winning go-to-market strategies, and optimise value-based business models. Where we focus most of our time, however, is on doing first commercial deals, including licensing, distribution partnerships, offtake agreements, as well as fundraising.

Our FoodTech, AgTech and Biotech team was founded to resolve the urgent need for scalable solutions that work with, rather than against, nature. Our past and existing clients range from novel agricultural inputs and soil carbon measurement technologies to companies building the infrastructure for novel ingredient production, microalgae biorefineries, and biocatalysts that cut the carbon emissions from the production of certain chemicals by over 30%.

RIG offers the opportunity to work on strategic and execution challenges facing some of the most promising technology companies in the sustainable technology ecosystem. We provide the experience of working closely with entrepreneurs and CEOs, private and institutional investors, and a wide variety of commercial and non-commercial actors to enable client success across a wide variety of technologies.

Working at pace in small teams, we emphasise intellectual curiosity, fast development and high levels of responsibility from early on. We look to complement our learning and development programmes with continuous development via our apprenticeship-based learning model, i.e., learning on the job, in close contact with senior resources. We recognise there is no ‘one size fits all’ role and will support you in crafting your unique career journey at RIG around your skills and interests.

We are a group of diverse, sociable, passionate individuals who are motivated by high risk, high reward business. We look to foster an inclusive, collegial, non-hierarchical culture where the best ideas always surface, regardless of their source, and where seniority comes from success, not tenure.

Responsibilities

Our Engagement Managers are responsible for high-quality execution and delivery of client work, including on market/application discovery and validation, business model development, deal structuring, negotiation, and client acquisition.

Our Engagement Managers:

• Plan and execute across a portfolio of client work: effectively managing the programme of work, running weekly calls, and developing high-impact client materials typically working closely with two clients at a given time.
• Research and derive insight from quantitative and qualitative analysis, developing and applying industry expertise.
• Support on sourcing, progressing, and closing commercial deals (e.g. licensing, industrial partnerships, offtake agreements, joint ventures) for our clients.
• Support on identifying and winning new business opportunities for the firm.
• Own and lead on discrete pieces of work for clients with their manager's guidance.
• Actively participate in internal and external discussions, sharing ideas and perspectives, presenting work and conclusions, and asking questions.
• Actively contribute to the growth and development of the firm by building sector-relevant knowledge, as well as acting as a company culture carrier.

We are looking for:

• An operator with strong organisation skills.
• Proven commercial background and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills.
• Mission-driven individuals with a passion for high-impact technology.
• Ability to grasp concepts quickly with an appetite to learn.
• Demonstrated ability for collaboration and teamwork.
• Adaptable and resilient individuals.
• Willingness to lead on their own projects.

Ideally:

• Quantitative analysis and data-driven thinking.
• AI literacy beyond the norm.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 months full-time work experience.
• University degree (undergraduate or postgraduate).
• Native equivalent proficiency in English (CEFR C2 equivalent).
• Strong capabilities in using Microsoft Office apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Power BI).
• Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Compensation:

• Salary: Competitive base salary + performance related bonuses.
• Holiday: 25 days of holiday and additional gifted Christmas leave of 3 days alongside bank holidays (equivalent to 36 days’ holiday in total).
• One work away week each year to work virtually from any location.
• “Office first” hybrid working (typically 4 days a week in the office) with high degree of flexibility around important appointments and life events.

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the qualification criteria. If you like the sound of this role, we encourage you to apply, as you could be the candidate we hire.