Satellite Applications Catapult (the Catapult) works with and helps to grow businesses of all sizes across the UK space sector. We have a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic team player to join the well-established National Space Capabilities and Clusters team.

We are looking for a Knowledge Exchange (KE) Manager to drive our engagement with and build collaborations between academic and research organisations, the Catapult, and industry across the UK and Internationally.

The KE Manager will deploy of a wide variety of Knowledge Exchange mechanisms, networking and research coordination mechanisms, to facilitate these connections. The KE Manager will develop their knowledge of leading-edge research, develop good relationships with the research base, and scope out exciting and innovative collaborative bids and projects.

This role is a hybrid position based in our Harwell office, there may be occasional travel across the UK.

Skills and Experience:

• A good understanding of space engineering and satellite applications.

• Experience of delivering a wide range of knowledge exchange activities.

• Experience of building and managing relationships with the research base.

• Knowledge and insight of building and shaping an environment where academia and industry work effectively together delivering innovation.

• A good understanding of the relationship between innovation, development and economic growth.

• Capability to foster an innovative culture, encouraging non-standard thinking, promoting learning and avoiding short-termism.

• A high level of individual drive and ambition and an ability to build long term relationships.

• Proven ability to analyse and clearly present complex information both orally and written

• Experience of successful delivery of ‘open innovation’ programmes.

• Workshop organisation and facilitation

Desirable:

• Knowledge of relevant UK and European government departments and agencies (UKSA, ESA, Innovate UK, UKRI etc.).

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience of working within an academic environment.

• Existing relationships with the research/science base.

You know you have been successful when…

• You have engaged with and developed relationships with the top ten Universities specialising in space sector research.

• You have produced and delivered against a KE strategy for the Catapult.

• You have engaged with and developed strong working relationships with other Catapult Network Knowledge Exchange teams and UKRI.

• You will have developed and shaped KE activities aligned to the needs of  the Catapult Value Streams.

• You will generate case studies and blog pieces to showcase the collaborations you have fostered.

• You have organised and delivered workshops with stakeholders exploring new technology/capabilities.

• You have worked with the team and stakeholders to define and translate the skills and technology needs of businesses to the research base.

The purpose of your new team:

The National Capabilities and Clusters Team’s vision is to create a thriving and connected UK space ecosystem by growing productive UK Space clusters and a vibrant space community, working collaboratively to build national capabilities, delivering UK strategic priorities and growing the economy.

Together we deliver this by: 

• Supporting local leadership teams to develop sustainable growth strategies and become part of a productive cluster network recognised internationally

• Connecting stakeholder communities and build bridges between industry, government, and academia enhancing knowledge exchange and collaborative opportunities

• Stimulating the growth of national capabilities through improved innovation services, infrastructure interventions and business scale up support programmes.

How we work

We strive to create a high trust environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture.
Our shared values are critical to this:

·        We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

·        We connect - and engage with people and ideas

·        We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of any individual providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we believe are needed to be able to do this job but, research also tells us women are much more likely than men to take this list of requirements as absolute and self-select out of the process. If you think you can deliver this role then we want to hear from you, regardless of the boxes you didn’t tick.