Innovation Coordinator

About the Role

The post is the main day to day contact for the cluster management of the Innovate UK agri-tech and food tech launchpad in Eastern England – an Innovation programme that provides £7.5 million of locked off innovation funding to accelerate and strengthen innovation across the agri-food sector within the cluster.  The role will support the development of this innovation cluster, working with external project partners of Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Tasks will include Innovate UK Project Administration (such as claims and reporting), co-ordinating activity, meetings, and work programmes across the Eastern England region. Working with other regional partners to develop content, briefings and organise both virtual and in person events, and to engage with regional stakeholders working in the innovation landscape.  

We are looking for someone who is great at organisation of a work programme, good at working with people, and can present key messages in an engaging and concise manner, and reach stakeholders far and wide. Travel around and between the 4 counties will be expected as part of the job, as such access to your own transport is essential. 

The position is a 2 year fixed term post until May 2026 (30 hrs a week due to funding which can be flexible across a working week). Recruitment is for both internal secondment and external candidates. Internal candidates should notify their manager if applying for secondment opportunities. Managers may provide support and discuss arrangements concerning this.   

About the Team

The team are friendly and supportive, busy, matching the fast-paced nature of some of the work required, but that also means that we work flexibly. We come together for regular team days as well as quarterly away days.  You can find out more about the Greater Lincolnshire LEP on our website. www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk

About You

We are seeking to appoint someone with the right skills and experience who has; empathy, drive, enthusiasm, flexibility and commitment.

You will need to be a resilient, confident and capable person who is able to establish and build excellent working relationships internally and externally across other businesses.

As well as excellent people skills you will need;

• IT skills across the entire Microsoft package
• Be well organised
• An understanding of the Food or Ag Sector or Innovation Programmes would be beneficial

About Our Offer

Along with a competitive salary we are offering:

• A Contributory pension
• Comprehensive benefits package including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work
• Flexible working policies
• Career progression opportunities
• A generous annual leave entitlement plus the option to buy more

Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure

If this sounds like the role for you, then please read through the full Job Description, before clicking apply!  If you would like to know more about Lincolnshire County Council and our current vacancies then click on over to  www.lincolnshire.gov.uk. 

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your covering letter/personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Applications will close on 07.05.24 and interviews will take place 17.05.24

For a confidential and informal discussion about the role please contact:

Effie Warwick-John via email effie.warwick-john@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Best of luck with your application

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.