Principal Lead for Innovation Policy & External Affairs - Northern Ireland

Are you ready to shape the future of data and deep tech innovation in the UK? Join Digital Catapult, the UK’s national deep tech innovation organisation, as our new Principal Lead for Innovation Policy & External Affairs for Northern Ireland. The role will in particular support the development of our brand-new UK Digital Twin Centre, by combining high-level government engagement, strategic impact partnership development, and thought leadership in emerging technologies such as AI, Digital Twins and Spatial Computing. Through this role you build your career at the forefront of the UK's innovation landscape and support Digital Catapult in making a lasting impact in R&D and innovation for deep tech.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead strategic policy and external affairs engagement for Northern Ireland deep tech innovation, working with key government departments and organisations, including the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Department of Business and Trade (DBT), and Innovate UK.
• Proactively position and develop future policy ideas for Northern Ireland’s innovation landscape, with a focus on deep tech and data innovation.
• Design, build and deliver a robust stakeholder engagement and external affairs structure for the UK Digital Twin Centre of Excellence, managing key innovation working groups.
• Align UK Digital Twin Centre’s goals with existing and emerging national innovation initiatives for Digital Twins, such as the National Digital Twin Programme and the Digital Twin Hub.
• Forge partnerships across the public and private sectors to unlock impact opportunities for Digital Twins and broader innovation ecosystems.
• Produce thought leadership outputs, research, and reports to influence national and international innovation strategies.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Proven experience in government engagement and innovation policy within digital, data, or emerging technologies.
• Expertise in developing concepts and business cases for policy interventions and programmes.
• Knowledge of the challenges surrounding the adoption of emerging technologies in the UK and Northern Ireland.
• Experience working with public funders, such as Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy (essential), Innovate UK (beneficial) and DSIT / DBT (beneficial).
• Ability to build trusted partnerships across government, industry, and academia.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to engage across internal and external networks.

Deadline for Applications: Friday 10th January 2025

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We are part of the Catapult network and we are actively committed to our Inclusivity in Innovation Charter, about which you can find out more here.  

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.