Technology Adoption Specialist Advisor in Manchester

The high profile Made Smarter Adoption Northwest Programme plays a central role in delivering the government’s industrial strategy. The programme will not only provide significant investment to businesses across the Northwest but also build a strong ecosystem of suppliers and delivery partners, supported by a delivery model designed to scale nationally.

As a result of this growth, The Growth Company (GC) is seeking a Technology Adoption Specialist (TAS) Advisor to manage a portfolio of SMEs engaged with the Made Smarter North-West Adoption Programme, supporting them to transform their businesses through the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs). The TAS will act as the main point of contact for customers, working closely with them to develop a bespoke Industrial Digital Technology transformation roadmap aligned to their business needs and growth ambitions.

The programme is particularly interested in applicants who can demonstrate specialist knowledge in Robotics and Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.

• Handle initial enquiries via phone and email, assessing customer eligibility and suitability for further support.
• Act as the account manager for customers, serving as their main point of contact throughout the programme.
• Facilitate diagnostic workshops at customers’ premises, using people-centred methodologies to identify and prioritise opportunities for the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs).
• Create a clear and tailored action plan (IDT Transformation Roadmap) that responds directly to identified opportunities, sets success metrics, and introduces best practice and specialist support services.
• Support customers in completing and implementing their IDT Transformation Roadmap, including facilitating access to specialist support services and internal Growth Company resources.
• Support customers with grant funding applications by assessing financial position, completing and submitting programme documentation, and advocating on their behalf at the Investment Decision stage.
• Ensure all customer activity, enquiries, referrals, outputs and impact data are accurately recorded on the Growth Company CRM and associated systems, in line with funders’ requirements.
• Maintain a high level of awareness of new technology developments and their industrial application, supporting and attending Made Smarter programme events as required.

• An effective communicator with strong written and verbal presentation skills.
• Highly organised, with excellent planning, administrative and project management abilities.
• Confident working with a wide range of stakeholders and building strong professional relationships.
• Adaptable and comfortable working across different locations, teams and priorities.
• Brings a customer-focused, empathetic approach and is open to learning and continuous development.

• Excellent communication, networking and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Well-developed IT skills, including experience with management information systems, spreadsheets, email, diary management and CRM databases.
• A minimum of five years’ experience working within business support or employer engagement (or demonstrable equivalent skills and experience).
• Experience of business development and supporting the adoption of Industrial Digital Technologies (IDTs).
• Experience of managing and delivering business assessments, advice and development activity.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive innovation.

GC delivers the Made Smarter Adoption Northwest programme, working with a range of delivery partners, strategic partners, professional networks and business support bodies, to reach as many manufacturing businesses as possible and support their growth.